The Power of Feminist Art

The Guerrilla Girls, a feminist group of artists who have had their works presented in major

galleries such as the Tate here in London. Whilst their work is eye catching, powerful and even

intentionally amusing with their witty and cynical punchlines, what makes this group so

fascinating is their anonymous identities. Each of the sixteen artists in the Guerrilla Girls has

named themselves after a famous female artist, for example, Frida Kahlo. When interviewed they conceal their identities with Gorilla masks. Why would the Guerrilla Girls choose to stay

anonymous when their talent, passion and message has arguably changed a major part of art

culture? Well, no one really knows the answer! We know for certain the collective is not

particularly shy, they're certainly unafraid to challenge the art world on their prejudice and

discrimination, so, the main theory is their names and faces remain hidden to ensure they can

continue to create their art.

Women artists are criticised more constantly and harshly than male artists, especially when the

work revolves around womanhood. A naked painting of a woman painted by a man is applauded whereas a painting which realistically portrays womanhood, whether that be literally or symbolically is often labelled as less. Many incredible art pieces created by women have been mocked for reasons such as being too dramatic, too emotional, too revealing or immodest, the main reason for the dismissal is for one core reason, they have been created by a woman. 

Throughout all the Guerrilla Girls work the ongoing theme is rising against injustice, their most famous works focusing on fighting racism, homophobia and sexism in the world of art and society in general.

Whilst their graffiti and graphic design style never fails to please the eyes, whats written on their

work is always by far the most attention grabbing.

Whilst I could write a million words on all the the work the Guerrilla Girls have created, there are

two sister pieces which originally caught my eye. A traditional nude painted by Jean Auguste-

Dominique Ingres of a young woman, over her head is plastered with a Gorilla mask and over the top of the edited painting is written "Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum"

followed underneath with the text "Less than 4% of the artists in the modern art section are

women, but 76% of the nudes are female". Whilst the female body is beautiful to paint and

admire, are we not so much more than flesh? How is the most appropriate way for a female artist to enter major galleries through being a nude, silent muse? This painting was commissioned in 1989 and since then we have seen incredible progress in the world of art, we must remember however the people who have fought for this progress to be made.

Whilst reading essays, watching documentaries and TED talks are excellent ways to spread

awareness and education, these resources have to be actively sought out, the Guerrilla Girls

however took to the streets of New York City and plastered their art on billboards, on the subway and all over the streets, making their work seen everywhere, provoking thought and action.

Why did I choose to write about the Guerrilla Girls for you to read? It wasn't as simple as they're a unique and talented collective, it's more on the point of the work they create is what we need to be seeing, reading and enjoying. The world of art has come a very long way thanks to groups and artists such as the Guerrilla Girls, however, we still have a very long way to go to ensure all

respect and opportunities are equal, sometimes seeing new work can empower and inspire but, it's important we never forget the ones who paved the way for us today. I would highly recommend going to see their works in the Tate Modern if you ever were to find yourself in London.

Written by, Libby Massey