About The Master List
Designed by Sophie Kolbe, B.F.A. in Design
The Master List is a three-part publication series featuring 30 women artists born between 1593 and 1991, spanning 13 countries and multiple disciplines, with 43 percent identifying as BIPOC. The series is designed as a concise, digestible art history resource for high school students.
The series presents artists through bite-sized profiles that prioritize clarity and approachability. Organized by time period and medium, each book introduces students to key figures without overwhelming them, encouraging curiosity and sustained engagement rather than dense, exhaustive reading.
The project addresses the persistent gender gap in art history and art education. The Master List reframes who is considered a “master,” serving as an educational tool, a source of inspiration, and a testament to how design can shape access to art history.
