LA County Arts, "Continuing the Legacy, 19th Amendment Centennial Celebration”

Los Angeles / 2020
Practice: Graphic Design, Illustration

In 2020, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture marked the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Despite its historical significance, the amendment's benefits were not immediately accessible to all women, particularly women of color, due to ongoing racial discrimination and intimidation. To honor this milestone and the continued pursuit of equity, the Department of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the LA County Women and Girls Initiative, commissioned Ragni Agarwal and five other artists to create artworks commemorating the suffragist achievements and reflecting on the amendment's broader historical context.

Ragni’s piece, inspired by Martin Schoeller’s portrait for Vanity Fair of six freshman congresswomen from the class of 2018—the most diverse in history—illustrates the direct impact of the 19th Amendment on women's lives today. Featuring figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, Deb Haaland, Veronica Escobar, and Sharice Davids, her artwork celebrates these women who are exercising their civic duties and breaking barriers in government, symbolizing the ongoing advancement of the glass ceiling for all women.

Impact and Recognition: The artwork not only highlights themes of empowerment, civic engagement, resiliency, and the right to vote but also celebrates the diversity of perspectives among women who lead. Ragni’s artwork, along with others, will be accessioned into the LA County Civic Art Collection to be permanently displayed at the LA County Board of Supervisors and Department of Arts and Culture offices, ensuring its impact will resonate with viewers for years to come.

Media Coverage: The project and its significant contributions to the cultural and civic landscape of Los Angeles County were featured in multiple media outlets including Spectrum News, Daily News, NBC, CBS, City News, and LA Post, highlighting the critical role of art in social commentary and public memory.

Materials: Adobe Illustrator