#RespectYourElders: Carmen Herrera is finally getting full recognition for her artistic works — at age 101.
Herrera, a Cuban-born abstract painter, began making art in the 1940s and 50s, but she was often overshadowed by male counterparts. According to National Public Radio, Herrera did not even make her first sale until age 89.
But this year, things are changing for her. Herrera’s work, which features paintings and sculptures of brightly colored geometric shapes, was recently featured at the Lisson Gallery in Manhattan — her first solo exhibition in the United States in 10 years. Her work will also be featured in at Whitney Museum of American Art this September.
Herrera traveled between France, Cuba and the U.S. throughout the 1930s and 40s, studying architecture and art. Abstract expressionism was a growing art form in New York City in the late 1940s, but Herrera’s works remained obscure.
On finally getting her work showcased at multiple museums, Herrera said it helps to be recognized and to know her work is “not going to go to the garbage.” Her exhibition titled “Lines of Sight” will appear at the Whitney Museum of American Art from September 16, 2016 to January 2, 2017.
To hear from Herrera and see some of her work, check out this recent segment on NPR’s Weekend Edition.