GROUP EXHIBITION

As the first female-centred art presentation of its kind, Womanhouse opened in January 1972 paving the way for new subject matter, new techniques, new ideas and a new way of looking at art. This exhibition examines the spirit of experimentation and collaboration that defined west coast Feminist Art and traces the period that immediately preceded and succeeded Womanhouse from 1970 to 1976. Tracing the narratives, origins, and legacy of this historic period through Fresno Feminist Art Program, Womanhouse, Womanspace, and The Woman’s Building allows for a multi-faceted conversation about the energy and trajectories that this period of art history unleashed.

Instead of recreating historic installation works, which could serve to retrench what is already known, this exhibition looks at the larger practices of these artists—what was made before, during, and coming out of this experience. Taking a cue from the original Womanhouse invitation there will not be an artist list. Instead throughout the exhibition, we will crowdsource the names of artists who were active during this period in order to produce a living archive and digital monument.

On view will be historic works alongside ephemera and photographs from the original Womanhouse installations that explore the roots of central core imagery, collaborative practices, and performance and costuming. The exhibition aims to situate Womanhouse within a larger conversation about this underhistoricised and productive experimental period of Southern California Feminist Art History.

Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND) will serve as a cultural partner, led by Laura Hyatt, Executive Director and Hugo Cervantes, Curatorial Associate, they organised a dynamic performance and events series that will include re-staging of historic performances, consciousness-raising sessions, and film screenings. These performances and events will include participants from the original Womanhouse alongside emerging artists in order to reimagine and complicate ideas relevant to our contemporary moment.

This exhibition is organised by Stefano Di Paola and Anat Ebgi Gallery and planned in close collaboration with the many participating artists as well as the following galleries: Eric Firestone Gallery, Lyles & King, and Jessica Silverman.

Hours and events during Frieze/Felix week:

Friday, February 18

Gallery open 12 – 9 pm

Opening reception 5 – 9 pm

Performances begin at 7 pm

Lea’s Room by Karen LeCocq

__Saturday, February 19

Gallery open 12 – 8 pm

Zine launch of Dream House, collaborative zine project by Cindy Rehm, readings by Claressinka Anderson, Sarah Green, Jennifer Pilch, Jessica Dillon, and Karolina Lavergne. The readings will take place at 2:30 pm.

Sunday, February 20

Gallery open 12 – 8 pm