Lecture #3: !W.A.R. Women Art Revolution

!W.A.R. Women Art Revolution, a film by Lynn Hershmann Leeson was an interesting examination that sought to understand women in art, the roles they play in the art world- not only artists but art historians and curators as well. Delving into such a broad topic is a large endeavor but Leeson takes it head on and displays various interviews, video, art openings, and performance throughout the film. She weaves personal stories of various women within the world of art with historical events and at one point even showcases her process as part of the story.

The style of the film works and draws the viewer into these stories and develops a pattern of conversation with these women who are also shown at various points throughout the film. The art that is showcased is a wide range of art from all disciplines and from numerous artists primarily in the United States.

There were numerous feminist groups and women artist groups who were represented and though they had a common underlying cause of supporting women artists and carving out a place for them in the male dominated world of art- Leeson does not shy away from showing the various conflicts and damaged relationship between certain women. The complexity of these women coming together to support each other as artists yet also pushing each other to become better artistically is fascinating and volatile. The outright discrimination that many of these women have faced - primarily by men is shocking.

After the screening a panel and question session was held and the discussion was lively and engaging. Many people spoke from their own experience or perspectives and shared in that regard with the larger group. Discussion mostly focused on the current situation and how women felt either discouraged or encouraged in producing art that was feminine in nature. Larger themes about women in society were discussed and there were some insightful points made about trying to find a balance between being taken seriously as a woman artist, giving women artists a chance to showcase their work, but also holding them up to high standards.

The film delves into statistics relating to women in the arts and the numbers and survey are appalling. From tenure track/ tenured positions held by women to the number of women artists showcased in galleries and museums was wildly uneven. Men dominated everywhere, though it would be interesting to see what the very latest statistics show on those same areas. Are the numbers getting better and what galleries and museums are groundbreaking in showcasing women artists? What are the programming and vetting methods that successful galleries and museums using? Which galleries and museums are the worst offenders.

Overall, the impression the film left in some ways was one of sadness and perhaps of a bygone era. Those women who were showcased in the film that have passed away were honored toward the end by showing their birth and death dates. Much of the film is footage that was dated, no less important but there was a bit of a lack of more current female artists in some ways. Is this because those who are successful female artists are so few or is this not the topic it was in the 60s and 70s? Is there still a need for a women's art movement and if so, how could it be affective- what can women artists learn from the artists that came before?