Exploring Exhibitions During Women's History Month

Women's History Month is celebrated during the whole month of March every year. Nonetheless, recognizing the role of women in shaping the society we are living in now should be a year-long celebration. Women's history month as global event is a great opportunity to write an essay about it. During this month we can acknowledge the contributions of women in several industries. At the same time, take it as an opportunity to look back on how women have continuously fought for gender equality.

This year, the Women's History Month revolves around the theme 'Visionary Women: Champions of Peace and Nonviolence.' According to an article by Romper, the official website of the National Women's History Alliance explained, 'This year we honor women who have led efforts to end war, violence, and injustice and pioneered the use of nonviolence to change society.' 

It's important that people recognize the iconic women who have helped in building our society because, in this way, we are also acknowledging their struggles in a place dominated by men. With that, art exhibitions will help people learn the history of women and, at the same time, celebrate them. Here are some of the female art exhibitions people might want to consider visiting. 

“All Work, No Pay” Exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

For the longest time, women were expected to handle the housework such as doing the laundry, cooking, washing the dishes, and many more. This part of a mother's life is often underappreciated. Thus, the exhibition titled 'All Work, No Pay: A History of Women's Invisible Labor' aims to reflect the societal expectation that women accomplish the task of doing unpaid work at home. At the same time, the exhibit aims to show that women's work in the labor force hasn't changed their workload at home since the 1890s. 

According to an article by the Working Mother, the exhibition which started last March 4 and will end in February 2020 displays clothing and accessories that women have been using while doing housework. It particularly recognizes how multicultural women experienced more of this historically. In an interview, co-curator Kathleen Franz stated that the museum 'wanted to specifically acknowledge the struggles of women of color including African-Americans who worked as slaves, and black, Latina and Asian women who worked as domestics.' 

“Ladies' Garments, Women’s Work, Women’s Activism' Exhibition at the New York Historical Society

This exhibition shows the progress of the International Ladies' Garment Workers Union (ILGWU) which helped in shaping women's activism through garments, documents, objects, and photographs. According to an article by New York History, women have been shaping the garment industry in New York for 200 years, leading to the establishing of ILGWU. The organization is regarded as one of the most important organizations of women in the history of the United States. 

Additionally, this special installation is dedicated to the memory of Jean Dubinsky Appleton, one of the iconic women committed to women's labor history. Opened last February 22, the exhibition will run until July 21, 2019, organized in collaboration with the Saunders Trust for American History, Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and others. 

“Adia Millett: Breaking Patterns” Exhibition at the California African American Museum

Artist Adia Millet is known to focus on the history of African America, particularly the history of African American women, in her artworks. She usually delves into issues of personal memory, identity, and collective history. The current exhibition of her works featuring a variety of media such as assemblage, collage, photography, painting, and textiles will be running from February 5 to August 25. According to the museum's official website, Breaking Patterns also showcases the artist's miniature houses. 

One of the miniature houses that are currently being displayed in the museum is called 'Capital Gain' which offers a deep exploration of memory and loss. Millett is also known for creating quilts made from recycled sheets, clothing, and curtains. She refers to it as “a language of craft, empowered by symbolism and technique.” The exhibition is curated by Mar Hollingsworth, Visual Arts Curator and Program Manager. 

“Bodega Run” Exhibition at the Hammer Museum

Harlem artist Tschabalala Self is known for her works which focus on the black female body. She chose to name her exhibition after 'bodega' or a local corner store to highlight this as a community meeting place. “The bodega is an interesting space because it speaks to multiculturalism, it speaks to the diversity and racial dynamics within the vacuum of POC life, which is very unique,' she explained. The show which will run until April 28 and features the heritage and identity of 12,000 bodegas local to New York. 

According to an article by the Daily Bruin, the exhibition also focuses on female black bodies as her main subject. It shows the daily lives and culture of African Americans in Harlem. Bodegas have played an important role in their lives since it served as a variety of essential household and food items to immigrant families in the 1940s. It offers a different perspective about different backgrounds, different incomes, different class structures, and economic classes. The exhibition ultimately shows the importance of diversity. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Women's History Month is an important celebration of women's achievements and their impact on society. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the importance of continuing to fight for women's rights. Through recognizing the contributions of women throughout history, we can inspire future generations to strive for a more just and equitable world.