Community: feminist.bloggers@brooklynmuseum

First Saturday Events - Saturday, August 4

7:00 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Forum, 4th Floor

Film screening In The Time of the Butterflies (Mariano Barroso, 2001, 95 min., PG-13).
This film is based on a true story of courage and sisterhood set in the Dominican Republic during the Trujillo dictatorship. Free tickets are available at the Visitor Center at 6 p.m.

8:30 p.m.
Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Auditorium, 3rd Floor

Film screening When the Spirits Dance Mambo (Marta Vega, 2003, 91 min., NR)
This film examines the traditional spiritual practices of Cuba. Director Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, founder of the Caribbean Cultural Center, introduces the film and answers questions. Free tickets are available at the Visitor Center at 7:30 p.m.

Gallery Talk “Great Women Leaders”

Saturday, August 11
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Forum, 4th Floor

Young women from Groundswell Community Mural Project discuss The Dinner Party by Judy Chicago, women leaders in their community, and the Groundswell murals on Washington Avenue.

Film Screening as part of Artists in the Movies Series

Sunday, August 12
3:00 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Forum, 4th Floor

Film screening Frida (Julie Taymor, 2002, 123 min., R)
Salma Hayek plays Frida Kahlo, the Mexican artist and feminist best known for her self-portraits. Directed by the filmographer, Julie Taymor, who created the TV series The Rosie O’Donnell Show (1996), and in 1998 won two Tony Awards for The Lion King as Best Director (Musical) and Best Costume Designer.

Film Screening as part of Artists in the Movies Series

Sunday, August 19
3:00 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Forum, 4th Floor

Film screening Fur (Steven Shainberg, 2006, 120 min., R)
Director Steven Shainberg creates an imaginary portrait of the visionary artist and revered photographer Diane Arbus, played by Nicole Kidman, in his film Fur.

Film Screening as part of Artists in the Movies Series

Sunday, August 26
3:00 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Forum, 4th Floor

Film screening Artemisia (Agnés Merlet, 1997, 98 min., R)
Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653) was an early Italian Baroque painter now recognized by scholars for her retelling of biblical stories from the perspective of a woman. The movie tells the story of her youth– the artistic education she received from her father, the painter Orazio Gentileschi (Michel Serrault), and her endurance through the trial of her tutor, Agostino Tassi, who was accused of raping her.

Note: Tickets for films are free with Museum admission. As seating is limited, tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the screening. Please note that programming is subject to change.

Congratulations to Sylvia Sleigh! The National Portrait Gallery in London just agreed to purchase Sylvia’s painting Situation Group Portrait March 1961. Also, the A.I.R. Group Portrait (1977) and The Turkish Bath (1973) will be in Washington at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in the exhibition Wack! Art and the Feminist Revolution from Sep. 21- Dec. 14.

(Sylvia Sleigh. A.I.R Group Portrait, 1978. Oil on linen. 75 x 82 inches).

And for this week’s picks…

Sultana’s Dream at Exit Art. An exhibition celebrating the tenth anniversary of the South Asian Women’s Creative Collective (SAWCC). The show includes over thirty Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, Nepali, Afghan, Kuwaiti and Iranian women artists. Many supplemental video programs and panels will accompany the show, so be sure to visit the Exit Art site for details. Opening August 4, through September 1.

A Point in Space is a Place for An Argument at David Zwirner. An exhibition of works by more than thirty artists, including Lynda Benglis, Eva Hesse, and Niki de Saint Phalle. Through August 10.

(Lynda Benglis. Night Sherbet A. 1968. Pigmented polyurethane foam)

In Context: Collage + Abstraction at Pavel Zoubok. A large-scale survey of collage works by fifty-five artists. Includes work by Louise Nevelson. Through August 10.

Text Messages at Adam Baumgold. An exhibition of paintings, drawings, and sculpture by 34 artists for whom words or text is a significant element in their work. Including work by Jenny Holzer and Aline Kominsky Crumb. Through August 15.

(Jenny Holzer. Untitled. From the “Survivor” series., 1983-4)

In San Francisco:The Passionate Gesture at Hackett-Freedman. An exhibition of gestural, post-war abstract painting and sculpture. Includes work by Louise Nevelson and Joan Mitchell. Through August 31.

In Chicago: 15th Anniversary Exhibition at Woman Made Gallery in Chicago. An exhibition by select jurors of past WMG exhibitions. Includes work by Faith Ringgold. August 3-30.

(Faith Ringgold. Jazz Stories #8: Don’t Wanna Love You. Acrylic on paper, 22″x 17.25.”)

On May 19th, an amazing group of women came and celebrated the Center at the event, “A Place at the Table” and it was a huge success! A special thanks to Susan Grabel, and the entire core group of women involved in making the entire night possible with their dedication and heartfelt support. The filming of the event was produced and directed by Niki DiCesare, of Bella Films and shot and edited by Omar Villegas. Below is a video of the event if you would like to share in our celebration, or go to www.bellafilmsinc.com, for more information.

Click To Play

“Our A Place at the Table celebration on May 19, 2007 at the Brooklyn Museum was a huge success - lots of fun, good turnout, good camaraderie, good spirit. We celebrated Elizabeth A. Sackler and the Brooklyn Museum and Maura Reilly and Melissa Messina for breaking down another barrier to the full appreciation of the contributions of Feminism, Feminist Art and all women artists to our culture. And hey - Feminist Art in a major museum! That’s what we’ve been working towards all these years!” —Susan Grabel, A Place at the Table

Produced and Directed by Nicole DiCesare
Shot and Cut by Omar Villegas

Thank you Panelists!

On Saturday, July 21st, a panel discussion was held in the Forum of the Center on The Future of Feminist Art. Four artists, each from different backgrounds, made up the panel: Sheila Pepe, Jaishri Abichandani, Erica Cho, and Em 16. Laimah Osman and Felix Endara, two editors from the queer feminist magazine riffRAG, moderated the event. We would like to thank the panelists, the moderators, and the many who attended the event for a energetic and fascinating discussion!

(from left: Laimah Osman, Jaishri Abichandani, Em 16, Sheila Pepe, Erica Cho)

(from left: Felix Endara, Laimah Osman, Jaishri Abichandani, Em 16, Sheila Pepe, Erica Cho)

In London:

An exhibition of new work by Candice Breitz at White Cube. Breitz uses a clever editing style to transform familiar images, subverting stereotypes and conventions in popular media culture. July 25- August 28.

(Image: Double Karen (Close to You), 1970-2000. From the series Four Duets, 2000. Edition of 2. Dual-channel installation: 2 looping DVDs. Photograph: Jason Mandella.)

In New York:

The Performance of Self in Everyday Life, an exhibition of photography by Dona Ann McAdams at the New York Public Library (Lincoln Center Plaza). McAdams photographs the art of everyday life, often focusing on the beauty of the female form. Through July 28.

Equal, That is, To the Real Itself at Marian Goodman Gallery. Summer group show featuring work by Roni Horn and others. Through July 28.

In Chicago:

Check out a gallery lecture at The Art Institute titled, “Modern Girls: Women on the Verge of a Breakthrough.” Learn about women’s struggle for independence while looking at the Institute’s beautiful collection. July 27, 7:00 pm- Gallery 100.

(Image: Edgar Degas, The Millinery Shop, 1884/90. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Larned Coburn Memorial Collection, The Art Institute of Chicago.)

Global Feminisms artist Hiroko Okada has a solo show, Aizou Bento - Love and Hate Lunch Box, opening at Mizuma Art Gallery in Tokyo on July 18th. Okada’s work is amazing– this will be worth the airfare!

(Photo: Courtesy of Mizuma Art Gallery, Tokyo)

Planning a trip to Germany? Tanya Ury is presenting an exhibition of photographs, Du Bist Einstein or Else, at the Kunstverein Rosenheim Yearly Exhibition at the Stadtische Galerie, Rosenheim. Ury is also featured in the new issue of n. paradoxa: international feminist art journal with her artist page, Who’s Boss.

Or in NY, check out…

The 13th Annual International Women’s Exhibition at Soho2o — show of twenty-nine rising women artists from all over the world. July 17th-August 11th.

(Photo: Courtesy of Soho20)

No New Tale to Tell at 31 Grand (through August 11th). This group show is the first at 31 Grand’s new gallery space. Featuring work by Katherine Heagle and others.

(Photo: Courtesy of 31 Grand)

Cool Aid at Andre Zarre Gallery– A summer group show including work by Nancy Azara. Through August 4th.

If your in New England, check out Essential Elements at Hera Gallery, in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Hera Gallery was originally conceptualized as a venue for women artists, and has expanded its mission to include artists of all genders. Essential Elements is a national juried exhibition that asks what is essential for contemporary artists. Featuring a majority of women artists. July 14th- August 18th.

(Kerry St. Laurent. Aspen Grove, Dixie National Forest. Mixed media. 2007. 10″x10″. )

Last call! Women Touch: Ceramics closes at A.I.R. Gallery on July 21st. On display are works by 15 international women ceramicists. The show is a great companion to the Brooklyn Museum’s long-term exhibition, An Art of Our Own: Women Ceramicists from the Permanent Collection.

Film Screening as part of Brooklyn Museum Summer Movie Series
Sunday, July 15
3:00 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Forum, 4th Floor
Film screening We Will Not Die Like Dogs (Lisa Russell, 2005,100 min., NR)

This documentary profiles AIDS activists from the four African countries of Nigeria, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Zambia and depicts how Africans are responding to the deadly epidemic. Director Lisa Russell is an independent documentary filmmaker with a background in international development whose films are often connected to campaigns that affect social change through awareness, fundraising and legislative advocacy.

Panel Discussion “The Future of Feminist Art”

Saturday, July 21
2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Forum, 4th Floor
The editors of the feminist art journal riffRAG moderate an intergenerational discussion with contemporary artists Sheila Pepe, Jaishri Abichandani, Erica Chough, and Em 16 about the impact of current feminist exhibitions, the opening of the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, and the direction feminist art will take in the future.

Film Screening as part of Brooklyn Museum Summer Movie Series

Sunday, July 22
3:00 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Forum, 4th Floor
Film screening Girlfight (Karyn Kusama, 2000,110 min., R)

This film, by director Karyn Kusama, tells the tale of Diana Guzman, a young Latina woman living in the projects of Brooklyn who discovers her talent in the boxing ring. This feature won both the Grand Jury Prize for best film and Best Director at the Sundance Film Festival in 2000.

Film Screening as part of Brooklyn Museum Summer Movie Series

Sunday, July 29
3:00 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Forum, 4th Floor
Film screening I Was a Teenage Feminist (Therese Shechter, 2005, 62 min., NR).

Followed by Q&A with the filmmaker.

Therese Shechter takes a funny, moving and very personal journey into the heart of feminism as she documents her talks with Gloria Steinem, rowdy frat boys, a Cosmo-reading opera singer and even her own mother to find out whether feminism can still be a source of personal and political power.

LAST CALL! WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles is coming to a close on July 16th. If you can’t make it to L.A., WACK! will travel next to the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. (Sept. 21- Dec. 16) and then to P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center in Queens in February 2008.

(Image: Cover of WACK! exhibition catalogue. Cornelia H. Butler & Lisa Gabrielle Mark eds. MIT Press, 2007).

Also check out…

Late Liberties, opening July 12th at John Connelly. A survey of recent painting, sculpture, and works on paper by a dozen artists –including the amazing feminist artist Carrie Moyer.

Liquid Sky at P.S. 1 (through September 1). Visit the beautiful summer installation at the P.S.1 courtyard created by architects Benjamin Ball and Gaston Nogues. Sheila Pepe designed the beautiful hammocks for the installation. You can see more of Sheila Pepe’s work on our Feminist Art Base.

(Image: Liquid Sky by Ball-Nogues. Hammocks by Sheila Pepe. Winning entry for the 2007 Young Architects Program. Image courtesy of Sheila Pepe).

chronaMora- Violations in Times of War a work by Deb King commissioned by the Women’s Media Center. In this multi-media project, King explores rape and domestic violence as tools of war. From the ancient rape of the Sabine women to present-day atrocities in Darfur and Sierra Leone, King uses images and text to document horrors too often dismissed as the by-products of war. Visit the chronaMora project here.

If you find yourself in Luxembourg, check out Capricci: Possibilites d’autres mondes at Casino Luxembourg (through September 2nd). Using re-invented maps and re-imagined objects, twenty artists create strangely familiar views of the contemporary world. The show features works by such feminist artists as Mona Hatoum and Zuzanna Janin.

And travellers in Italy can see Regina Jose Galindo’s Tres Acciones at Prometeogallery in Milan on July 10th and at Spazio Volume! in Rome on July 12th. On the occasion of these Italian shows, Galindo creates performances about freedom and social control, using her body as a medium which can be chained, blocked, and forced into all means of social sculpture.

(Image: Courtesy of prometeogallery, Milan).

Finally, we don’t usually recommend staying in, but, with the summer heating up, the Discover Channel is giving us good reason to relax indoors on Sunday night. Tune into Secrets of Egypt’s Lost Queen, a special program about Hatshepsut, the queen who was once king of ancient Egypt. She was more powerful than Cleopatra, dressing as a man and declaring herself pharaoh. The show airs Sunday, July 15th at 9 p.m., ET/PT on the Discovery Channel. You can always read about Hatshepsut on our site or visit our exhibition Pharaohs, Queens and Goddesses, through Januray 20th, 2008!

(Image: Head of Hatshepsut or Thutmose III. Egypt. New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, circa 1479-1425 B.C. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 55.118.)

For this week’s picks…

We highly recommend the long flight to Australia. Tracey Moffatt’s work is always worth it! Her show, at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, in Sydney, opens July 5th and runs through July 28th.

(Tracey Moffatt, Doomed, 2007 (still). Image courtesy of the artist and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney)

We also suggest…
Mathilde Ter Heijne’s show at Susanna Vielmetter Los Angeles Projects, also through July 28th. In her videos and sculptures, ter Heijne uses her own persona to test the social and historical territory that determines the role of the artist.

(Mathilde Ter Heijne, “No depression in heaven”, 2006 (still). Image courtesy of the artist and Susanne Vielmetter Los Angeles Project)

Also launching this summer comes Image and Identity: Culture Behind Clothes, a virtual exhibition by The International Museum of Women in San Francisco. View the stories and join the conversation online from July 5 until September 30, 2007. This is a portion of the global online exhibit Imagining Ourselves.

(Image courtesy of The International Museum of Women)

Here in NY, be sure to see White as Color opening July 8th in The Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery at The Art League of Long Island (running through August 12th). The show includes some amazing feminists such as Michelle Stuart and Cyrilla Mozenter.

(Cyrilla Mozenter, Polar Bear Glove Song #20, 2007)

Finally, Retracing Territories opens in Switzerland at The FriArt (Centre d’Art Contemporain) from July 6 - August 19, 2007. FriArt is presenting two exhibitions respectively entitled Emotional Landscapes and Retracing Territories. Both highlight not only territory as an issue, but also history, via remote and close perspectives on Iran, Africa, the United States and Switzerland. The shows feature work by some incredible international artists such as, Parastou Forouhar, who just exhibited here in Global Feminisms.

(Parastou Forouhar, Thousand and One Day, 2003, wallpaper drawings (digital))

(Elizabeth Sackler & Craig Barnes)

We would like to extend a gracious THANK YOU! to our speaker Craig S. Barnes for Saturday’s insightful lecture, In Search of the Lost Feminine: Decoding the Myths That Radically Reshaped Civilization. We hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did! For those of you who did not make it, or wish to read more, check out Craig’s website here or order his book here.

(Craig’s lecture)

(Craig signing books)