ARTnews writer Ben Davis follows up Maura Reilly’s recent article by asking, “What will it take to finally put an end to sexism in art?” The limits of counting, conditions for success, the pay gap, and the representation gap are cited as contributing issues. Some of the article’s sobering stats and opinions are:
- In the U.S. only 30% of all artists represented by galleries are women.
- Today, female college graduates make about 22% less than men.
- Interest in feminism ebbs and flows over the years.
- Art sales constitute a fraction of how many contemporary artists make a living.
Front-Page Femmes
A pioneer in feminist art, Miriam Schapiro, passed away at the age of 91. Hyperallergic, Artnet, and The New York Times discuss her teachings, her work with Judy Chicago, and her pivotal role in the development and definition of feminist art.
Greta Gerwig talks to The Huffington Post about the problematic expectations of female characters in movies. Gerwig says, “I think likability is not just an issue for characters, it’s an issue for women in general. It can be a real straightjacket limiting life. It can feel like you’re operating outside of social norms when that’s your highest value: to be liked. I think it’s really tricky.”
Nina Simone is the inspiration behind three upcoming films and a tribute album. The New York Times says, “Fifty years after her prominence, Nina Simone is now reaching her peak.” NPR explores the songstress’s life and career through five songs.
Shows We Want to See
ARTnews gets a glimpse into Barbara Kasten: Stages at ICA in Philadelphia.
Hyperallergic covers Natalie Frank: The Brothers Grimm at the Drawing Center. Frank focuses on the grisly and grotesque aspects of fairy tales in an attempt to recontextualize favorite stories from a feminist perspective.
Speaking Back at Goodman Gallery highlights various female perspectives on issues of race, culture, and gender. The show’s curator Natasha Becker says the exhibition focuses on “imagination and the right of black women artists to imagine, and the power in that.”
Conceptualist photographer Sarah Charlesworth’s works are on view at the New Museum.