The Oakland Museum of California is set to showcase an extensive retrospective of the acclaimed artist Mildred Howard, marking a significant moment in her illustrious five-decade career. Beginning on 12 June 2026, the exhibition, titled *Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory*, captures the essence of a woman whose art is deeply intertwined with her identity and the social fabric of her community. At 80 years old, Howard is finally receiving the recognition she has long deserved, just as she continues to create and innovate.
A Groundbreaking Retrospective
This exhibition stands out as Howard’s first major retrospective, a milestone that she reflects on with a wry sense of humour. “You have to be almost dead for that to happen,” she quips, yet her work reveals a vibrant artist still very much alive in her creative pursuits. The exhibition will feature a variety of her pieces, including her poignant sculptures and installations that explore themes of memory, identity, and social justice. The show will run until 18 October 2026, providing ample opportunity for the public to engage with her powerful narratives.
Howard’s recent rise in the art world has been nothing short of meteoric. In 2023, she was awarded honorary doctorates from both California College of the Arts and California State University, East Bay. Furthermore, her archive was recently acquired by the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley, cementing her legacy in the academic sphere. The crowning achievement of her recent accolades came with the awarding of a Guggenheim Fellowship after a staggering 15 years of applications, a testament to her relentless perseverance in the face of adversity.
A Life Intertwined with Art
Born in San Francisco in 1945 as the youngest of ten siblings, Howard’s upbringing was profoundly influenced by her family’s strong roots in activism and community organisation. Her parents, dockworkers turned antiques dealers, instilled in her a sense of purpose and the importance of social justice. Her mother, Mable “Mama” Howard, was particularly influential, leading initiatives that aimed to prevent the segregation of their predominantly Black neighbourhood.
The narrative of Howard’s life is laced with stories of resilience and familial bonds. Her grandson, Lamar “MYL3Z” Brown, describes a tightly knit family that spent decades living within a four-block radius in South Berkeley. However, the landscape of their community has changed dramatically over the years, with the last family home sold just two years ago. The impact of gentrification is palpable, and Howard’s work often reflects the themes of displacement and the memories that dwell within homes.
Art as a Reflection of Life
Howard’s creative process is deeply personal, with her living space serving as both a home and an art studio. In her expansive West Oakland warehouse, the boundaries between her life and her art are blurred. The walls are adorned with vibrant glass and reflective materials, remnants from her public installations that pay homage to the rich cultural history of her community. Her installations often tell stories of the past, confronting uncomfortable truths about colonialism and systemic oppression.
One of her notable works, a towering sculpture of Junipero Serra, encapsulates her commitment to unveiling hidden histories. This piece, part of her *Untold Histories / Hidden Truths* series, serves as a striking commentary on the legacy of colonisation in California. Howard’s approach to art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit; it is a means of dialogue, an invitation for audiences to reflect on their shared histories.
The Personal Meets the Political
Howard’s kitchen is another canvas of creativity, where she seamlessly blends her passions for cooking and art. “Cooking for me is just as creative as making art,” she explains, illustrating how her culinary practices are imbued with the same love and intention as her artistic creations. This intersection of personal and political is a recurring theme in her work, as she weaves her experiences into her art, creating a rich tapestry that speaks to the complexities of identity and community.
The curators at the Oakland Museum have meticulously gathered artefacts from Howard’s life, including childhood keepsakes and personal correspondence, to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the woman behind the art. This thoughtful curation aims to bridge the gap between Howard’s personal experiences and her artistic expression, allowing visitors to connect with her on a more intimate level.
Why it Matters
Mildred Howard’s retrospective is not merely a celebration of her artistic achievements but a critical examination of the narratives that shape our collective history. As the art world increasingly recognises the voices of historically marginalised artists, Howard’s exhibition stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths while celebrating the rich cultural heritage that informs our present. In a society often rife with division, her work serves as a reminder of the power of art to foster understanding, empathy, and ultimately, change.