2019 International Women’s Day.
As well as wearing my The Cycle of Objectification outfit all day, I also attended a few afternoon IWD women artist events at Griffith Uni, Southbank.
I wanted to attend these events to support the showcase of feminist voices and feminist work.
I was especially keen to hear what some Brisbane feminist artists had to say and see how they were translating their explorations of feminist issues through their art practice.
A big thanks for FARC (Feminist Art Rebel Collective) and in particular Deborah Eddy and Claire Tracey.
Like me, quite a few participants had made sashes, costumes, or were dressed in IWD colours.
The first event I went to was at the Grey Street Gallery to hear Brisbane artist Genevieve Memory speak about her exhibition Semiotics of the Dress. This exhibition looked at the history and social significance of dresses.
Next were three other local artists Jodie, Ashley and Renee, who are currently exhibiting at the Machinery Gallery Windows, also spoke about their work and ideations.
From there the crowd moved to the Glass Box space. The Glass Box had a very interesting curated exhibition showcasing a number of under grad female art students. It was a very interesting exhibition drawing on a rage of voices, experiences and issues. As well as music and artists explaining their work, the curators also explained their process and intentions for the exhibition.
There was also a live gig by Brisbane musician Taana Rose (below), which was a real treat!
There was also a proto-installation by a duo (I am sorry, I didn’t get their names!) who have an upcoming exhibition. They created a sample of their work yet to be installed in the concourse to explain their conceptualisations and what they wanted to achieve. I really liked the outdoor/interactive aspect of this presentation. It great to use the art college public space to share art with passers-by.
I really enjoyed all the artist talks and have a new appreciation for the amount of work and thought that these talented artists apply to their practice.
I was stoked to see that Louise Mayhew (Griffith Uni) had organised (for the third year) a Wikipedia-edit-a-thon. Wikipedia is one of the largest websites on the internet, with more than 40 million articles in more than 250 different languages, but women make up less than 10% of editors. This means women’s stories aren’t being told. This event is where you can edit Wikipedia to include women of note who do not currently have a presence on Wikipedia, or who are underrated, forgotten or invisible.
What a great idea!
I immediately started researching a range of female cyclists and bike riders who are yet to be fully recognised, or who have been forgotten in history who need to be included.
It was an action packed day full of creativity, community, and activism.
What a way to celebrate International Women’s Day!
