Passage III

The Guerrilla Girls

[1]

The Guerrilla Girls are a group of women who use humor to protest sexism and racism in the art world and more! The group began in New York City, in 1985 a year after several of the future members protested at a major exhibition of contemporary art at the Museum of Modern Art. Of the 166 artists displayed, the majority had their work shown in temporary exhibition space. The show’s curator proclaimed that any artist not appearing in the show should start rethinking “his” career. The protestors picketed outside the museum, but notice was not largely given to them by passersby. So the future Guerrilla Girls generated an unusual strategy.

[2]

To call attention more dramatically to issues of discrimination, the women started wearing gorilla masks at their public appearances; after one member accidentally wrote gorilla instead of guerrilla on a poster. [A] They also assumed alternative names that were the names of deceased female artists and writers, responding in interviews under the pseudonyms Frida Kahlo, Gertrude Stein, Kathe Kollwitz, and others. (38) By remaining anonymous, the Guerrilla Girls believe they avoid the distractions of individual personalities and call greater attention to the issues. [B]

[3]

The Guerrilla Girls create posters that often use statistics and almost always use sarcasm to expose the exclusion of women and people of color from art exhibitions. [C] The Guerrilla Girls’ materials also address a variety of topics, including body image and economic injustice. Starting with their first award in 1987, the group has received honors for their books, posters, and performances. [D]

[4]

Guerrilla Girl members continue to tour the United States and Europe, speaking on college campuses, at cultural centers, and to various media outlets. Being that they use irreverent wit and satire, their protests have motivated many people to consider choosing a career in an artistic field.