Guerrilla Girls

Definition

The Guerrilla Girls are an anonymous group of feminist activist artists who use creative protest and public outreach to draw attention to discrimination against women and artists of color within the art world. They are known for wearing gorilla masks in public appearances to conceal their identities and highlight the issues they advocate for.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Guerrilla Girls were formed in 1985 in response to the lack of representation of women and artists of color in major art exhibitions and institutions.
2. The group uses eye-catching posters, billboards, and public interventions to draw attention to the gender and racial disparities in the art world.
3. The Guerrilla Girls' signature look involves wearing gorilla masks to conceal their identities, allowing them to speak out without fear of retaliation.
4. The group's work often features statistics and data that highlight the systemic biases and discrimination faced by marginalized artists.
5. The Guerrilla Girls' activism has been influential in pushing for greater diversity and inclusivity in the art world, leading to changes in exhibition practices and increased visibility for underrepresented artists.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Guerrilla Girls' use of anonymity and gorilla masks contributes to their activist approach.
  • The Guerrilla Girls' use of anonymity and gorilla masks is a strategic choice that allows them to speak out against the art world's biases without fear of retaliation or personal consequences. By concealing their identities, the group can focus attention on the issues they advocate for, rather than on individual members. The gorilla masks also serve as a powerful visual symbol, drawing attention to the group's activist message and the idea that the art world is 'behaving like animals' in its treatment of women and artists of color.
• Analyze how the Guerrilla Girls' work intersects with the broader feminist art movement and the concept of institutional critique.
  • The Guerrilla Girls' work is deeply rooted in the feminist art movement, which emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a response to the male-dominated art establishment. By using creative protest and public outreach to draw attention to gender and racial disparities in the art world, the Guerrilla Girls are continuing the legacy of feminist artists who challenged the patriarchal structures and biases inherent in art institutions. Additionally, the group's practice of institutional critique, which involves investigating and challenging the assumptions and biases of art institutions, aligns with the broader goals of the feminist art movement to dismantle the systemic barriers faced by marginalized artists.
• Evaluate the Guerrilla Girls' impact on the art world and their role in promoting greater diversity and inclusivity.
  • The Guerrilla Girls' activism has had a significant impact on the art world, leading to increased awareness and changes in exhibition practices and institutional policies. By using eye-catching visuals and data-driven arguments, the group has been able to shine a spotlight on the systemic biases and discrimination faced by women and artists of color. Their work has helped to push for greater diversity and inclusivity, challenging the art world to be more representative of the full breadth of artistic talent and perspectives. The Guerrilla Girls' persistent and creative approach to activism has been instrumental in shifting the conversation and creating tangible progress towards a more equitable art world.

Related terms

Feminist Art Movement: The feminist art movement emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, challenging the male-dominated art establishment and advocating for greater representation and recognition of women artists.

Intersectionality:

The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, which create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.

Institutional Critique: An artistic practice that investigates and challenges the structures, assumptions, and biases inherent in art institutions and the art world.