She Inspires
A Group Exhibition Curated by Indira Cesarine
A Portion of Proceeds to Benefit She Should Run
THE UNTITLED SPACE
45 Lispenard Street Unit 1W
NYC 10013
EXHIBITION ON VIEW
MAY 2 – 14, 2017
Positive actions can often speak louder than protests. A new exhibition called “She Inspires” will honor historical and contemporary female figures who have made a positive impact on the world. Curated by Indira Cesarine, the group show at The Untitled Space will feature figurative, abstract, or metaphorical artworks that focus on these inspirational women.
Following the precedent of the critically acclaimed exhibit, “UPRISE/ANGRY WOMEN,” which benefitted the Equal Rights Coalition, ten percent of proceeds from “She Inspires” will go towards She Should Run. The nonprofit seeks to inspire more women to run for public office by providing resources and guidance. Cesarine chose to work with the nonprofit for “She Inspires” because its empowering mission aligns with the efforts of the exhibit to highlight inspiring women and to encourage others to recognize their achievements and empower women to be leaders in their communities.
Each piece in “She Inspires” will be an ode to a historical or contemporary woman or group of women that has shaped our past or is helping to form our future. The exhibit aims to not only explore themes of inspiration of present day female role models, but also the legacy of women who have paved the way, and to inspire and empower others with visual art on the subject. Where the UPRISE show utilized satire and anger to make a point, “She Inspires” will use homage and optimism to motivate. Cesarine stated:
“Following the UPRISE / ANGRY WOMEN exhibit I felt that it was important to curate an exhibit that highlights inspirational women. I think a lot of women may have been discouraged by the overriding misogyny that has permeated American culture since Donald Trump has been elected. I felt it was good timing to create an exhibit that is empowering and focuses on the women that have paved the way for us, and those that will continue to positively impact us from a cultural and political standpoint.”
“She Inspires” will not be the typical art show. As Cesarine noted, ” I think it is important as a gallery that focuses on feminist art to not fear doing an inspirational show. I want to create an exhibit that breaks those barriers without being cliché.”
‘The Dinner Party’ by Judy Chicago, 1979. On the right, is a place setting made in honor of Georgia O’ Keeffe. Images courtesy of The Brooklyn Museum.
Luckily, there are examples of artists that have used their talents to honor those who inspire them with stunning results. Judy Chicago’s seminal piece, The Dinner Party, celebrated the historical legacies of thirty-nine females by honoring each with an elaborate place setting at a triangular table. Each place setting functioned as a symbolic portrait of inspirational women such as Emily Dickinson, Sojourner Truth and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Since the 1970s, artist Barbara Kruger has been using her signature black and white images and red block script to comment on the position of women in everyday culture. Last year she created a portrait of Hillary Clinton.
For years the significant contributions of women have been ignored in the history books and mainstream media. “She Inspires” is an opportunity to highlight the efforts of amazing women and to encourage and empower through example.
The exhibition is open to submissions from artists of all genders. The work of at least 20 artists will be selected and can include photography, painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, and textile art, among others mediums. The submission period is open through March 20th. Go to The Untitled Space’s official website to learn more about entering your artwork.
