Over the past decade, Komal Shah has become an increasingly familiar face in the art world—as both a collector and a member of various museum and university boards. The former tech exec and her husband, venture capitalist Gaurav Garg, have amassed about 300 works, focused primarily on women artists. A new book, edited by Mark Godfrey and Katy Siegel, beautifully showcases their collection—from painting to sculpture to fiber pieces.
The 432-page tome features more than 135 women artists—including Pacita Abad, Firelei Báez, Simone Leigh, Joan Mitchell, Lorna Simpson, Toshiko Takaezu, Kay WalkingStick and Mary Weatherford. Along with text by Godfrey and Siegel, there are contributions from curators, historians and artists. (Among the highlights of the latter is Tschabalala Self reflecting on fellow artist—and inspiration—Faith Ringgold.)
Making Their Mark is part of Shah’s ongoing mission of championing the achievements of women artists, who, she notes, lag behind their male counterparts in museum acquisitions and valuation. The book—an early initiative of the Shah Garg Foundation—is also the basis for a forthcoming travel exhibition, details for which will be announced later this year.
