Interpret the Art of the Guerrilla Girls
The Guerrilla Girls are a radical feminist art group from New York City. Since forming in 1985, the group has staged many events and created many works preaching their critiques of what they feel is an imbalanced and gender-biased society. Interpreting their work involves understanding a few of its key recurring themes. Read on to find out more on interpret the Guerrilla Girls.
Instructions
1. Understand the symbolism behind their name. The term "guerrilla" signifies a type of unconventional warfare enacted by small groups to fight against a much larger army. The Guerrilla Girls see themselves as the minority, fighting against a socially corrupt and sexually prejudiced world.
2. Become familiar with the tenets of feminism. Feminism advocates equality for women and equal rights. The Guerrilla Girls embody this idea by calling into question accepted standards, like the gender imbalance in classic and contemporary art. They strive to let women have equal opportunity and representation in the world of art.
3. Reconsider the "f" word. The Guerrilla Girls' slogan is to take back the "f" word, which they want to be "feminism." Their goal is to have people who follow feminist ideals to wear their feminism as a badge. Instead of shying away from negative associations of feminism, the Guerrilla Girls want feminism to be something that people should be proud of and respected for following.
4. Consider the significance of their image. The Guerrilla Girls wear gorilla masks when they perform. This is not necessarily to hide their identities, but to make a statement that women should not be judged for their looks, but for the thoughts and ideas they express. The gorilla masks help put aside superficial qualities and remind their audience that what's important lies within. Also, the gorilla masks are not at all dainty. They are angry and combative, just like the Guerrilla Girls.
5. Take a look at their individual works. One of the Guerrilla Girls' most well-known works is a poster displayed within the New York City public-transportation system that posed the question, "Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum?" This question was designed to call attention to the fact that women in classic and contemporary art are often portrayed only as sex symbols.
