Women artists have long been kept out of art history textbooks and classrooms. Though the first-ever artist is said to be a woman who traced her lover’s silhouette on a wall, women have been underrepresented, if not outright maligned, by historians. But women have made remarkable contributions, and continue—despite resistance—to create work that reflects their realities.
An upcoming event in Los Angeles, #YESALLWOMEN, celebrates the work of artists who champion women’s rights. Set to be held Sept. 19, the event will feature an art auction, performances and film screenings. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the East Los Angeles Women’s Center.
“With the #YESALLWOMEN hashtag, so many women were brave, honest and vulnerable in sharing their stories about moving through life as a woman,” says event founder, director and curator Jessie Askinazi. “I wanted to create a world for this climb toward autonomy to take shape through abstract, surreal and creative expression. This art project does underline inherently feminist values; it speaks for all of us and is a blade cutting the weeds out of the way.”
While Askinazi says she doesn’t expect to solve issues of gender inequality through art, she does think that “giving women the opportunity to turn their suffering on its back, change its shape, and transform it into something visceral is an important way for us to connect. And when you take that collective process and directly benefit organizations that offer life-changing programs, that’s a really beautiful means to dealing with these struggles both metaphorically and tangibly.”
Adds actor/director Rose McGowan, host of the event, “I’m involved with #YESALLWOMEN because it is time for us women now. It is time for us as humans and as artists. This project sends a loud message. We are here, we are visible, we count.”
The seven works below are already available through online auction site Paddle8 (in addition to eight others) and will be on display at the event.
Have a favorite piece? Let us know in the comments!
Favianna Rodriguez, Digital art print
Snövit Hedstierna, Practices of Looking, Photograph
Amanda Charchian, Stalactites/Stalagmites, Photograph
Yun Bai, Bloom Fully In All Your Glory (As If You’ll Die By Midnight Tonight), Silkscreen print
Mira Dancy, Herfume, acrylic on paper
Barbara Kruger, Untitled (Do I have to give up me to be loved by you), Archival pigment print
Tasya van Ree, Sparks When Struck, Photograph printed on metal
