“Half the Picture: A Feminist Look at the Collection”
August 31st, 2018 – March 31st, 2019
Brooklyn Museum: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York
The Brooklyn Museum will soon open, “Half the Picture: A Feminist Look at the Collection”, a compilation of new and old works by more than 50 artists meant to reexamine history through a feminist lens. Ranging from World War I to the #MeToo movement, all the works reflect on race, class and gender issues during different political times and movements. According to head curator Catherine Morris, the inspiration for this exhibit comes from a 1989 Guerrilla Girls poster quote, “You’re seeing less than half the picture without the vision of women artists and artists of color”. The Guerrilla Girls use a combination of facts and humor in their activist art to inspire others to take action. Similarly, the artists chosen for this exhibit fiercely advocated for their communities through their art.
One of the artworks is Nona Faustine’s “Isabelle, Lefferts House, Brooklyn” (2016), a poignant image of herself standing in front of a historic house in Prospect Park that was built by slave owners. Renee Cox’s empowering self-portait “Yo Mama” (1993) as a mother in the nude holding a child will be featured as well.
Also on view is video artist Dara Birnbaum’s work, “Technology/Transformation: Wonder Woman“ (1978/79) of Diana Prince transforming into superhero Wonder Woman in repetition that criticizes television. Feminist artist Harmony Hammond’s “Hunkertime” (1979-80) sculpture of nine large ladders huddled together and leaning on each other that promotes community and support can also be found in the exhibit.
For the first time since its controversial debut in 1973, Betty Tompkin’s “Fuck Painting #6” (1973) will be displayed in an American museum. And, Wendy Red Star’s “1880 Crow Peace Delegation” photographs of Native Americans with red comments indicating aspects of the culture that have been culturally appropriated by society will be shown.
Other artists included are Vito Acconci, Sue Coe, An-My Lê, Yolanda López, Park McArthur, Zanele Muholi, Dread Scott, Joan Semmel, Lorna Simpson, Kiki Smith, Nancy Spero, Mickalene Thomas, Adejoke Tugbiyele, Taller de Gráfica Popular, and more.
