Artist Spotlight: The Legacy of Loïs Mailou Jones
Apr 9th 2025
This April, MFA Shop proudly honors the extraordinary legacy of Loïs Mailou Jones (1905–1998)—a groundbreaking artist, designer, and educator whose vibrant, culturally rich work helped define 20th-century American art. Through her bold style and global influences, Jones became a leading voice in modernism, while also breaking barriers as a Black woman in a field that often excluded her.
A Boston Native with a Global Vision
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Loïs Mailou Jones began her formal training at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where she was one of the few Black students at the time. In 1927, she became one of the first Black women to graduate from Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, a milestone that marked the start of a remarkable career that would span more than seven decades.
Jones later continued her studies in Paris at the Académie Julian, finding in France the creative freedom and critical recognition that had been more difficult to attain in the United States. Her work evolved over time—from early design and impressionistic landscapes to striking modernist compositions informed by her travels to Haiti, Africa, and beyond.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Jones taught at Howard University for over 40 years, mentoring generations of young artists and cementing her role as an influential educator.
Ubi Girl from Tai Region at the MFA
Currently on view at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, “Ubi Girl from Tai Region” (1972) is one of Jones’s most iconic works. Inspired by her travels to West Africa, the painting features a stylized figure adorned with intricate patterns and symbolic motifs that reflect her deep engagement with African heritage and visual language. With its bold use of color, symmetry, and abstraction, the piece captures the essence of Jones’s mature style—a synthesis of tradition and innovation, identity and imagination.
Shop the Collection: Celebrate Her Legacy at Home
To commemorate her legacy and bring her vision into everyday life, the MFA Shop offers a curated selection of products inspired by Ubi Girl from Tai Region and Jones’s larger body of work:
Loïs Mailou Jones "Ubi Girl" Tote Bag
A vibrant, functional tote featuring one of Jones’s most beloved paintings—perfect for carrying books, groceries, or inspiration.
Loïs Mailou Jones "Ubi Girl" 300 Piece Puzzle
Engage with Jones’s artistic vision in a new way by piecing together her dynamic composition at home.
“Ubi Girl” & Glyphs Coaster Set
A set of four coasters that combine form and function, celebrating the graphic patterns that define Jones’s style.
Loïs Mailou Jones Glyphs Scarf
A soft, elegant scarf adorned with symbolic designs drawn from Jones’s iconic visual language—perfect for art lovers with an eye for style.
Loïs Mailou Jones’s art continues to speak powerfully to themes of identity, heritage, and innovation. Through her work on view at the MFA and the exclusive collection available in the MFA Shop, her legacy remains as vibrant and relevant as ever. We invite you to explore her story, experience her art, and celebrate the lasting impact of a true visionary.
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Get ready to immerse yourself in Loïs Mailou Jones' world—and bring a piece of it home with you!