Watch Rebel Women: The Great Art Fightback

"Rebel Women: The Great Art Fightback" is a BBC Select documentary series that explores the lives and works of female artists who have pushed the boundaries of their time and challenged the art establishment. Throughout history, women have faced significant barriers to express themselves through art, but this series highlights how these artists overcame obstacles and left a lasting impact on the art world.

Each episode focuses on a different artist, and the stories are brought to life through a combination of interviews with art experts, high-quality footage of their works, and dramatized reenactments of important moments from their lives. The series starts with the story of Artemisia Gentileschi, an Italian painter from the 17th century, who defied the gender norms of her time and gained recognition for her vivid portrayals of heroic women.

The second episode of the series features Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican painter, who turned to art as a form of therapy after a terrible bus accident left her with lifelong injuries. The episode delves into Kahlo's turbulent relationship with her husband and fellow artist Diego Rivera and how she used her art to express her pain, emotions, and cultural identity.

Another episode is dedicated to the life and work of Lee Miller, an American photographer, and model who became a war correspondent during World War II. The episode showcases Miller's powerful photographs, taken both on the front lines and in her London studio, and reveals how she shattered stereotypes of female artists in her time.

Additionally, the series highlights important lesser-known artists like Paula Rego, a Portuguese painter who often looked to fairy tales for inspiration and explored themes like sexuality and motherhood. There is also a spotlight on Sandra Blow, a British abstract painter who faced criticism for her non-representational works but ultimately left an impact on the art world with her innovative techniques.

Moreover, the documentary series shows the grit these women possessed to overcome tremendous personal struggles. Many were faced with financial difficulties, failed marriages, and health issues that would have deterred the faint of heart, but they pushed forward, creating art that transcended beyond their lifetimes.

Overall, "Rebel Women: The Great Art Fightback" is a compelling and informative series for anyone interested in art history, feminism, and stories of women who defied expectations and societal norms of their time. It is a powerful tribute to the struggles, determination, and creativity of these women and the enduring impact they continue to have on the world of art today.