Guerrilla Girls invite arty critique

Three large blackboards are capturing reactions from gallery goers attending the Guerrilla Girls exhibition by feminist artists at Auckland’s Art Gallery.

Unlike other art exhibitions, the interactive element to their gallery takes over an entire corridor from ceiling to floor and draws on answers to the question, “I’m not a feminist, but if I was I would want …”, according to Emma Jameson, curator.

“The interactive element is especially popular and changing every day as visitors contribute their thoughts and responses to issues raised,” said Ms Jameson.

Artists Guerrilla Girls are known for their punchy, satirical and humorous messages and have been challenging discrimination in the art world for three decades.

“They bravely and publicly call to account people and institutions that perpetuate bias and discrimination. Their example of artistic activism is inspiring and at times, sobering,” said Sarah Farrar, head of curatorial and exhibitions.

A communications spokesperson said as the exhibition was acquired through funding rather than on loan from another institute, the gallery did not have the same “time pressures” as other works which meant it could run for several months.

The exhibit, which takes up around half of the first floor in Auckland’s Art Gallery, has been well received by visitors.

“We’ve had some great feedback from our visitors, some who knew them before and some who have been introduced to their practice through the exhibition,” said Ms Jameson.

The exhibition runs until mid-October.