Jenny Holzer (L) and Nancy Spero (R) in Body Gesture

For the conclusion of the Elizabeth Leach Gallery's 30th Anniversary program it presents, "Body Gesture, an exhibition of historical and contemporary feminist art.... Through their work many female artists of this era critiqued prevailing power structures, took increasing ownership of their personal sexuality, exploited assumptions about domesticity, and highlighted the institutional marginalization of women and minorities. These artists employed, and radicalized, many of the same formal and conceptual strategies practiced by their male contemporaries. Ultimately, Feminist artists' multidisciplinary, performance-based practices, engagement with process-oriented and conceptual methods, and use of film and video proved to be remarkably influential on subsequent generations of artists, both male and female. In fact, the argument could be made that Feminist Art definitively altered contemporary art, shifting the conversation back toward narrative and personal experience, while aiding in the legitimization of performance, video art, and multidisciplinary practices.... By pairing works by important female artists of the 1970s and 1980s with work by emerging female artists Body Gesture attempts to investigate the role of Feminism in art today."

Gotta love it when a group show actually makes an art historical argument. It is even better when a few of my favorites like Lynda Benglis and Mickalene Thomas are involved.

Features works by: Lynda Benglis, Andrea Bowers, Sophie Calle Nicole Eisenman, Jenny Holzer, Rachel Lachowicz, Ellen Lesperance, Alice Neel, Elaine Reichek, Martha Rosler, Carolee Schneemann, Amy Sillman, Lorna Simpson, Alexis Smith, Nancy Spero, Mickalene Thomas, Hannah Wilke

Holiday reception • 6-8pm • December 15
Elizabeth Leach Gallery • 417 NW 9th • 503.224.0521