The 1970s marked a significant era for Bourgeois, characterized by personal loss, political activism, and growing acknowledgment of her work. The death of her husband in 1973 was a profound personal loss that coincided with a period of increased political engagement, particularly with feminist and socialist movements. Her art during this time became more explicitly focused on themes of sexuality and the female body, with works like "Fillette" (1968) exemplifying this shift. Bourgeois also began hosting her famous Sunday salons during this period, mentoring younger artists and becoming a pivotal figure in the New York art community (The Art Story). Bourgeois' work is notable for its exploration of memory, trauma, and recovery, using a wide array of materials and forms. The 1970s saw her continuing to innovate, with her sculptures becoming more abstract and monumental. This period also saw the creation of some of her most challenging works, such as "Destruction of the Father" (1974), a vividly confrontational piece that delves into familial dynamics and patriarchal authority. Her use of materials ranging from latex to marble underscored her thematic concerns, blurring the lines between figuration and abstraction (The Art Story) (Artland Magazine). By the end of the 1970s, Bourgeois had firmly established herself as a leading figure in contemporary art, setting the stage for her landmark retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in 1982. Her work from this decade not only contributed significantly to the feminist art movement but also challenged conventional boundaries of sculpture and installation art. Bourgeois' ability to infuse her work with deeply personal narratives and emotions has cemented her legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century (The Art Story) (Encyclopedia Britannica). Louise Bourgeois' art in the 1970s represents a critical junction in her career, where her personal experiences and broader political engagements converged to produce a body of work that remains influential and compelling. Her legacy continues to inspire artists and audiences alike, reflecting her unique capacity to articulate the complexities of human emotion and experience through her art.