In 2007, Rutgers University’s Brodsky Center for Innovative Editions (BCIE) published a collection of prints titled Femfolio. The portfolio features works by twenty female artists who were involved in the feminist art movement in the 1970s. The collection is united not by a single theme, medium, or universal “feminine” style, but by the fact that all of the participating women were pioneers of their time when the art world was almost completely closed to women. In conjunction with the Williamson Gallery’s Women and Print exhibition, this collection is on display at Gallery 112, Lang Arts Building, from September 2 through October 19, Monday through Thursday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm and 1:30 – 5 pm.
These women helped pave the way for female artists to be heard by creating groups, opening space, and demanding representation for women in the visual arts. Using many different forms and materials, these artists dismantled the categorization of female art as “other.” Each has contributed in her own way, using her talents to address a diversity of topics such as identity, gender roles, race, spirituality, and social injustice. Though the battle for full equality is ongoing, their work has contributed much to bringing us as far as we have come.
The artists include: Emma Ammos, Eleanor Antin, Nancy Azara, Betsy Damon, Mary Beth Edelson, Lauren Ewing, Harmony Hammond, Joyce Kozloff, Diane Neumaier, Fath Ringgold, Miriam Schapiro, Carolee Schneemann, Joan Semmel, Sylvia Sleigh, Joan Synder, Nancy Spero, May Stevens, Athena Tacha, June Wayne, and Martha Wilson.
The portfolio is part of the Scripps College permanent collection.
Femfolio, Curated by Professor Nancy Macko and Chrysanna Daley ’16.