WHY SHOULD WOMEN VOTE?
WHY SHOULD WOMEN VOTE?
An installation by In_Question
Hays Gallery
June 10 - September 19, 2020
Curated by Bibiana Huang Matheis
ARTIST RECEPTION - June 20, & Sept.19
Exhibit is open during museum hours:
Wednesday - Saturday, 12 to 4pm
In_Question is a collective formed in the fall of 2017 by artists Marcy B. Freedman, Carla Rae Johnson, and Mary McFerran with the following mission: to “provoke thought, encourage conversation, and inspire action.” The women have used their collaborative art projects to address social, political, and environmental issues. They have presented their work in the streets and in store fronts, in galleries and in cafes. Now, they are bringing their art to the Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden.
WHY SHOULD WOMEN VOTE? is an installation created to honor the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which granted the women of this country the right to vote. Each member of In_Question has produced a body of work related to the past and present struggles of women for equality and justice in all aspects of life.
Matilda Joslyn Gage
Marcy B. Freedman’s contribution is called Matilda who? It consists of a video and an installation of books and images that showcase the accomplishments of an amazing woman – Matilda Joslyn Gage. Freedman demonstrates why Matilda’s name should be familiar to us all, as she was one the triumvirate of women leaders – the other two being Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony – whose hard work and dedication were invaluable to the suffrage movement in this country. Freedman’s project will demonstrate the breadth and depth of Gage’s feminist ideology, and she will explain why there was an attempt to erase Matilda’s name from the historical record.
Carla Rae Johnson presents a sculptural installation entitled “Resolute Boots: a Tribute to Ida B. Wells-Barnett.” The artist points out that we tend to envision women’s suffrage movement of 100 years ago as WHITE: white women in white dresses. It is true that these women were brave, determined, and committed to seeking justice and equality. But, they were not marching alone! Johnson’s project honors a brave, resolute black woman, Ida B. Wells-Barnett who was as committed as her white suffragist sisters.
Ida B. Wells-Barnett
Embroidery by Mary McFerran
“Wall for Suffragists” is a wall installation by Mary McFerran. It combines items that convey insight into the societal norms of the era of Women’s suffrage (early 20th c). The artwork displays embroidered silhouettes of clothing and personal artifacts reminiscent of those worn and used by women of the period, including day dresses, undergarments, prison garb, parade paraphernalia, hats and shoes. In addition, there will be archival photos and letters written by suffragists during the years leading up to and at the time that the 19th amendment was ratified. The wall utilizes “a museum within a museum” style to interpret the story of the suffragist movement.
PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY
ARTSWESTCHESTER
WESTCHESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT
J.C.C. Fund, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York