Critical Writing Index

Catching up to the Past Catching up to the Present: A Response to WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution

by Lynn Kazymerchyk

No More Potlucks, Mar. 2009, no. 2

In this article, Amy Kazymerchyk reflects on the work shown in the WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution 1965-1980 exhibition, and how different generations of feminist art work interact with one another. Kazymerchyk discusses how the work in her exhibition prompted her to to curate two events of more contemporary feminist work, about the Joanie4Jackie chain letters tapes and Riot Grrrl music videos. Importance is placed on the DIY aspect of much feminist artwork, events and culture, for how it has allowed women to independently develop creative expression and community. Kazymerchyk also looks at the presence of manifestos within feminism, and the celebration of domestic space in relation to DIY culture. This article offers an argument for the idea that feminism is not dead, and encourages cross-generational dialogue between women engaging in feminist art.

ITEM 2009.089 – available for viewing in the Research Centre

Videos, Artworks and Artists Cited

Cindy DollJulie Saragosa

Free, White and 21Hawardena Pindell

MenstruationSheila Levant de Brettville

PinkSheila Levant de Brettville

El TenderoMonica Mayer

AtlantaMiranda July

Post Partum DocumentMary Kelly

Semiotics of a KitchenMartha Rosler

Two SistersAmy Lynn Kazymerchyk

Joanie 4 JackieMiranda July