Admirers have nothing but good things to say about this gifted female artist. Monica Stewart’s art has been described as “a contemporary expression of culture and sisterhood” because she captures “women of color celebrating life”. She gives her work “an authentic, ethnic flavor”.
The next time you watch the movies “Waiting to Exhale” or “Romeo Must Die”, watch them very carefully. Her artwork has been showcased via these films. Cool huh? :)
Image credit: Monica Stewart: Ethereal Grace
Highlights about the career of Monica Stewart:
🎨 Artistic Style & Themes
- Stewart is best known for her pastel paintings, which she loves for their brilliance and flexibility.
- Her work often centers on Black women, capturing moments of joy, reflection, and sisterhood. She once said, “I have a good understanding of myself as a woman, so I do tend to paint a lot of women”.
- Her art explores universal human experiences, aiming to evoke personal meaning for each viewer.
🖼️ Famous Works
Some of her most popular pieces include:
- “Unity” – a vibrant portrayal of African-American women dancing in harmony.
- “Graceful Motion”, “Dance of Joy”, and “Rejoice!” – all celebrate movement, rhythm, and spiritual uplift.
- Her prints have appeared in films like Waiting to Exhale, Romeo Must Die, and the sitcom Living Single.
🏆 Recognition & Impact
- Stewart’s art has been featured on California State Lottery and Bank of America calendars, as well as family record books, journals, and photo albums.
- She’s a nationally recognized artist, with her work displayed in galleries and stores across the U.S.
- Though she didn’t complete her formal art degree, her talent was nurtured early on and reignited in the 1990s, thanks in part to encouragement from novelist Terry McMillan, who was one of her first collectors.
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