Women Artists We Love ❤️

Art is more than what we see—it’s how we feel, connect, and reflect on the world around us. It holds a mirror to society, capturing the emotions, struggles, and triumphs that shape us. Yet, for centuries, many of these stories—especially those of women artists—have gone unnoticed, left in the margins of history.

At Subjektiv, we believe in bringing these voices forward. With 60% of the artists on our platform being women, we are committed to making art a space of true presence where every artist, regardless of background, can be seen, heard, and valued. 

This March, in honor of International Women’s Day, we’ve curated a special series of newsletters and artworks selections spotlighting some of the amazing women artists shaping the art world. On March 17th, we will be hosting a special webinar, "The Representation of Women in Art & Society," where we’ll explore the evolving narratives of women in the creative sphere. Stay tuned for more details!

Today, we are kicking off our #WomenArtistsWeLove series with Eri Maeda, a Paris-based multidisciplinary artist whose work in ceramics unveils unseen narratives and challenges societal norms with quiet, yet profound intensity.

Join us in celebrating these remarkable women—because art is not just about what we see, but about what we choose to remember.

About Eri 

Eri Maeda is a Japanese artist based in Paris, sculpting surreal stoneware forms through handbuilding techniques and vivid underglazes. Her work explores shame, taboo, and gendered expectations shaped by her upbringing, reimagining domestic objects as absurd, creature-like hybrids that blur the line between the familiar and the unsettling. 

Balancing humor and critique, Maeda’s sculptures challenge unspoken cultural norms, turning everyday symbols into playful yet subversive statements. Exhibited in Milan, London, and Tokyo, her art sparks universal conversations about constraint, liberation, and the silent forces that shape identity.

How has being a woman influenced your artistic inspiration and the themes you explore in your work? 

Being a woman has deeply shaped my artistic inspiration, especially in how I explore themes of shame and taboo. Growing up, I felt huge pressure about how I look and present myself in a way that fit society’s expectations—always needing to be “beautiful,” flawless, and appropriate.
These invisible rules weighed heavily on my shoulders, making me feel like I had to mold myself into an ideal rather than simply be myself.

My recent sculpture, Lipstick Monster, embodies this struggle. It takes the shape of a lipstick—something that symbolizes femininity, beauty, and societal norms—but instead of being a passive object, it has sharp teeth, ready to bite. This piece is a reflection of my own anger—anger at the pressures I internalized, at the version of myself that once felt trapped by these expectations. Lipstick Monster is my way of fighting back, of devouring those toxic norms rather than letting them define me.Through exhibitions, I’ve realized that this struggle is not just mine. Many people, especially women, have resonated with the piece, sharing their own experiences of societal pressure.

Can you share a moment or experience in your artistic journey that made you feel particularly seen and valued for your unique perspective and voice?

I love when the audience shares their own personal experiences with me. It’s powerful to see how different people connect with my work in their own way. My goal is to create art that naturally invites discussion and challenges perspectives, making people reflect on societal norms in an organic, almost educational way.In this sense, an exciting moment in my journey is my upcoming group exhibitions in Paris this April, where Lipstick Monster will be showcased alongside other works. Having my piece included in these shows feels meaningful because it means more people will engage with its message—questioning beauty standards, gender norms, and the pressures we internalize.What I value most is the conversations that happen around my work. When people share their thoughts and experiences, it adds new layers of meaning, turning the artwork into an ongoing dialogue rather than just a statement. That exchange is what makes me feel truly connected as an artist.

What role do you think art plays in advocating for women's rights and gender equality?

Art is definitely a form of soft power. It doesn’t create change overnight, but it slowly influences the way people think and see each other. As an artist, I see my role as planting small seeds—ideas that exist in everyday life. People might not always notice them right away, but as they go through their own experiences and shifts in perspective, they may come back to my work and see it in a new perspective. I hope my art can be something that stays with people, growing alongside them and offering new meaning when the time feels right.This is why it’s so important for me to keep working and creating. Art takes time to connect, to unfold in someone’s mind, and I want my work to be there when that moment happens. Knowing that my art can be part of that journey keeps me motivated to continue exploring and expressing these ideas.

Our top selection of Eri's works