early life and influences judith sylvia cohen, known professionally as judy chicago, was born on july 20, 1939, in chicago, illinois. her early life was marked by her father's activism and the subsequent turmoil during the mccarthyism era. this exposure to social and political issues would later influence her artistic themes. artistic career chicago's artistic journey began at a young age. she attended the art institute of chicago as a child and later pursued a bachelor of fine arts degree from ucla, graduating in 1962. her early work was characterized by collaborative art installation pieces…