Ruby Sky Stiler’s paintings are not just visual compositions—they are assertions of identity, control, and empowerment. Using geometric abstraction as her canvas, Stiler redefines the roles of women in the context of Western art history, pushing back against centuries of objectification and sidelining. With intricate patterns and bold depictions of women, her work reimagines the traditional narratives of gender in art, positioning women not merely as subjects but as creators in their own right.
At first glance, Stiler’s paintings may appear as complex, aerially viewed landscapes, their geometrically arranged grids and blocks of color evoking patchworks or agricultural fields. But as you step closer, the viewer begins to see that these grids are more than just abstract patterns. The intersections of lines and shapes hint at floral motifs, decorative elements, and topographical features. It’s as if each grid is a map, each shape a story, with the central figures—strong, self-assured women—emerging clearly within the framework.
What makes Stiler’s work so compelling is her decision to put women not in the usual roles of passive subjects or muses, but as figures of active creation and agency. In her view, women should no longer be confined to the margins of art history. Instead, they should be depicted as the empowered creators they have always been. Her series of geometric portraits challenges the longstanding tradition of depicting women as decorative or ornamental elements in art, often seen in male-dominated movements like Cubism and Surrealism. Stiler’s work actively repositions women in these historical contexts, where they take on roles of liberty, strength, and autonomy.
In her 2024 piece, Woman with Children in Blue, Stiler explores this theme of women as both creators and nurturers. The piece features a nude woman reclining with her children, rendered in intricate, mosaic-like patterns. The figures, softly swathed in pastel hues, are not objectified but rather infused with dignity and complexity. They are caretakers, yes, but also powerful creators, inhabiting a space of peace and contemplation that Stiler infuses with geometric clarity. By integrating motherhood into her compositions, Stiler highlights the multifaceted roles women play—not just as caregivers, but as individuals with agency, autonomy, and creative expression.
The background of Woman with Children in Blue is a stunning testament to Stiler’s precision and vision. The irregular grids and overlapping geometric shapes speak to her deep connection to textile design—a medium often dismissed in the fine art world as “women’s work.” Through this process, she challenges this outdated notion by elevating the technique to a fine art practice. The layered patterns in her paintings recall the visual language of patchwork quilts or woven textiles, traditionally associated with women’s labor. By incorporating this element into her artwork, Stiler not only pays homage to women’s craftsmanship but also reclaims it, turning it into a powerful visual language that speaks to women’s central role in both the domestic and artistic spheres.
Her creative process also nods to the traditions of abstraction. Stiler employs a meticulous graphite transfer process to create her patterned outlines, which she then fills in with pastel acrylics. The result is a series of compositions that blend elements of the minimalist Bauhaus movement with a uniquely personal and contemporary vision of femininity. The bold outlines of figures and objects in her work are not just formal devices; they are a way of clarifying and emphasizing the presence and power of her subjects.
Through her work, Stiler takes on the challenge of the historically male-dominated world of abstraction, particularly Cubism, which flourished in the early 20th century. In her own version of abstract portraiture, Stiler turns the lens back onto the woman herself—not as an accessory to male creativity but as the source of it. Her approach is both a critique of and a response to the art historical tradition, one that often overlooked women not only as artists but as active participants in the creation of culture and meaning.
Looking toward the future, Stiler is preparing for a solo exhibition with Alexander Gray Associates, scheduled for November 2025. It’s clear that her work is only continuing to evolve and deepen, offering new ways to think about women’s roles in art and society. By reimagining women as artists—rather than mere subjects—Stiler brings an entirely fresh perspective to the legacy of abstract art and challenges the traditional narratives that have long been accepted as canon.
In a world where the role of women in art is still being reevaluated, Ruby Sky Stiler’s paintings provide both a corrective and a celebration. Her geometric portraits challenge long-held notions of gender, asserting that women are not simply muses but creators, innovators, and central figures in the ongoing story of art. Through her carefully crafted compositions, Stiler reasserts the need for a more inclusive and expansive definition of who gets to shape the visual history of our culture.
For those intrigued by Stiler’s work, you can explore more of her thought-provoking pieces on her website or through her Instagram, where she continues to share her evolving vision of art, gender, and empowerment.
