Barbara Hepworth was a British sculptor who is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century. She was born on January 10, 1903, in Wakefield, England.
Hepworth studied at Leeds School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London, where she became associated with the influential art movement known as the "Seven and Five Society." Her early works were figurative, but she soon turned to abstraction, creating sculptures that explored the relationship between form, space, and light.
Hepworth's work was characterized by its smooth, organic shapes and its use of negative space. She often worked in stone, wood, and bronze, creating sculptures that were both powerful and delicate. Her later works were often inspired by nature, with many of her sculptures taking on organic shapes that suggested plants, animals, or natural forms.
Hepworth was one of the first female artists to achieve international recognition, and her work was exhibited in major galleries and museums around the world. She received numerous awards throughout her career, including a DBE in 1965 and the Order of Merit in 1973.
Hepworth died on May 20, 1975, in a fire at her studio in St. Ives, Cornwall. Her legacy as one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century continues to inspire artists today, and her work can be found in major museums and collections around the world.