DIGS - Sexism in the Arts

“DIGS – Sexism in the Arts” came to be because of misogynist behavior, fear, and an overwhelming feeling of isolation.  What are “digs”… comments that we, as women receive daily, making us question our ability, skill set and overall value.   Historically women haven’t been seen, or heard.  When reading art history, women are systematically plucked out of the books, we are viewed as objects in paintings, our work is compared to our male counterparts, and there is a lack of wall space for us in the halls of museums and gallery spaces.  Linda Nochlin posed the question “Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?”   

Discrimination of sex is only one facet of the bigger problem that plagues our gender.  Bring into account color, age, and religion and you will surely never receive an exhibit or possibly employment.  It is interesting that those who disagree most about this fact are white male.  There is this disconnect, white males feel that everything is moving forward and progressing, yet discrimination and sexual harassment is still an issue in the workplace and in the arts.  This is issue is not limited to men, but women who also tear down other women.  Perpetuated by political environment, sending messages to boys and young men that it’s acceptable.  Also perpetuated by the media, telling girls and young women how they should act and appear.  13 women in different stages of their career, have been asked to create a piece of artwork based on sexism and how it intersects with age and/or race.