Mildred Howard's Retrospective Showcases Five Decades of Art and Life
Mildred Howard on her first retrospective in a major museum: ‘My art is part of who I am as a person’

Image: The Guardian
Mildred Howard, an acclaimed artist, is presenting her first major retrospective at the Oakland Museum of California, highlighting her 50-year career. The exhibition features her unique sculptures and installations, reflecting her personal history and activism, and runs until October 2026.
- 01Mildred Howard's retrospective, titled 'Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory', opens on June 12 and runs until October 18, 2026.
- 02The exhibition showcases Howard's 50-year career, including her series 'Untold Histories / Hidden Truths', which critiques historical figures like Junipero Serra.
- 03Howard's work is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences, including her family's history of activism in South Berkeley.
- 04She has received significant recognition recently, including honorary doctorates and a Guggenheim Fellowship after years of rejections.
- 05Howard's art often explores themes of memory and home, as seen in her installations that incorporate elements of her life and heritage.
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Mildred Howard, a prominent artist known for her thought-provoking installations, is set to showcase her first major retrospective at the Oakland Museum of California titled 'Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory', starting June 12 and running through October 18, 2026. The exhibition will feature her extensive body of work that spans over 50 years, including her notable series 'Untold Histories / Hidden Truths', where she critiques historical figures like Junipero Serra by wrapping their sculptures in symbolic colors. Howard's artistic journey is deeply connected to her personal history, particularly her family's activism in South Berkeley, where she grew up. Her recent accolades, such as honorary doctorates and a Guggenheim Fellowship, highlight her rising prominence in the art world. The retrospective aims to provide insight into her creative process, showcasing how her life experiences and memories shape her art. Howard believes that her work is not separate from her identity, stating, 'It’s part of who I am as a person.'
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The retrospective at the Oakland Museum of California will enhance local cultural engagement and recognition of underrepresented artists.
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