from the juror

As the juror of "Feminist Interrogations" this past month at A.R.C., I am very grateful for Karen Washington's observations. The parallel she draws between J.J. Barrington's Have I Done the Right Thing and "Have You Ever" by the eight-year old girl participating in the Vantage Point project is a very powerful one. It is an example of what I hoped the exhibition would do and that is raise questions and awareness about issues that remain silenced in many sectors of society, as well as point to the fact that sexual violence against women cuts across generations, ethnicities, race, class and religions. From Barrington's piece, my eye (and mind) began conversations with many other works in the show, prompting further reflection on this content. Sabba Syal's installation brought a transnational viewpoint to the issue by exploring her grandmother's history of survival in conjunction with missing women across Pakistan after the fall of British rule in 1947 and the split of the Punjab province. Kathleen Madigan's Let Me Show You Door used the door and text set against a beautiful quilt, making clear that the domestic space does not guarantee a place of safety. Theresa A. Anderson’s Autobiography: the Drawing Series/ Better Homes and Gardens utilized drawing and collage to interrogate the intersection between domestic violence and adoption into a family that silences her Indian background within a Swedish, German and Irish community; in many ways creating a virtual connection with the eight year old originally cited by Karen Washington. While I'm only addressing a select group of works in the show (I hope people write more!), what each piece held in common in “Feminist Interrogations” was its ability not to impose ideology or a specific point of view but instead collectively they introduced viewers to a range of feminist perspectives that allowed for contemplation and further consideration of difficult issues beyond the gallery visit that are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

Thanks again for sharing your views,
Joanna Gardner-Huggett, DePaul University

A student writes a paper...

...in response to the June exhibitions:

ARC Gallery sponsored an event called Feminist Interrogations, which is a collection of art done by a plethora of artists showing varied experiences (first hand or otherwise) that each artist feels needs attention due to the neglect of society. In conjunction with their show was another event called Vantage Points by Blue Sky Inn. Vantage Points was different mediums of art done by local community centers attendees, either homeless or disadvantaged children. The two shows bought together make a very powerful statement that will leave any viewer shocked by its mix of subtle or blatant messages.

One of the more powerful, albeit subtle, pieces done through the Feminist Interrogations is a black and white photo. Upon first sight, the photo is a female sitting on the side of an old pickup with an even older suitcase planted in front of her feet. Her head is down in her hands. The captioning included with this photo is “Did I do the Right Thing?” The suggestion behind this caption speaks volumes to any woman, but especially those understanding the idea of being ‘stuck’: in a relationship that is neglectful, abusive, dominating, or just plain hopeless. Too many women in this world know what it means to be this woman portrayed in the photo. Here in America, as well as many other societies, relationships are unbalanced with a patriarchal slant. Women are left feeling bereft and fearful because they want to have a better life than where they are but are not sure they can achieve any of that life on their own. They are ‘stuck’ because they worry about financial capabilities, children without father figures, possible homelessness, joblessness, and overall acceptance. The struggle they face is a long, hard road that can be ultimately very lonely. “Did I do the Right Thing?” communicates this message loud and clear in one simple, yet very complex, photo.

The other piece that spoke volumes to this world’s desolation was part of the Vantage Points showing. On first sight, it is nothing more than a piece of pink paper with a child-like handwriting on it. What the child wrote on this paper, however, will make a heart break. In just a few lines, the little girl writes about having been raped. What is heartbreaking is that a viewer will see the handwriting is printed, but the little girl’s signature is showing she has just started to learn cursive writing. This suggests the child is probably in second grade, maybe third. What is wrong with a society that has an 8 year old girl explaining her own rape? As young as she is, she has already had her first glimpse into the undercurrents of a society that projects sex nonstop; she already has to feel the burden of being labeled and unprotected.

Vantage Points’ depictions of homelessness, abuse, and violence for the youth of America and their continual hope by attending these community center’s projects is a perfect partnering and lead-in to Feminist Interrogations’ portrayals of the way life becomes exceedingly difficult for women and minorities as life progresses. All of the pieces in both shows are compelling and powerful. Their messages transcend lines so that anyone can understand and feel what the artist is saying.

Karen Washington
June 7, 2008
DePaul University