In 1971-72, Gerhard Richter painted his 48 Portraits for 36th Venice Biennale. He received flak because he did not include any women in his depiction of 'great figures' in Western modern culture.

In 1991-92, Gottfried Helnwein painted a response to Richter's 48 Portraits depicting 48 famous women.

It would seem that was the end of that. However, it bothered me that a man had painted a response and not a woman.

In 2011-12, I am painting a female response to Richter's 48 Portraits. The woman I selected are known for their achievements and not for their beauty or sex appeal.