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gorillagirlsRachelBorders

Studio Writing 6: Guerilla Girls


Change does not happen when the majority of a group is unhappy, it happens when influential members of a group are unhappy. The Guerilla Girls were definitely unhappy with how women artists were being treated up to and during the 70s. Frida Kahlo, the Guerilla Girl who spoke at the lecture on GVSU’s campus, blatantly stated that they were “pissed off” and wanted things to change. A few ideas came to my mind: these Girls were bold and admitted the content they discussed was “guaranteed to offend.” The Guerilla Girls seem to be quite blunt, vociferous and even a bit aggressive in a non-violent way. This may be the attitude they want to represent contemporary women artists, but how do other women artists want to be represented? Although these Girls are certainly facing opposition, I feel they do ignite change in communities, perhaps for the benefit of women.
They were exactly right by admitting they were guaranteed to offend. Most of their posters could be considered incredibly suggestive and their mockery of stereotypes finger-point so many grotesque truths that it makes any relatable individual feel uncomfortable. An obvious and poignant idea that was illustrated by one of their dolls was the classic “Catholic School Girl.” It definitely hit me because not only was I “Catholic School Girl” in high school but I could agree with how true the components were that they mentioned. Although some people in Catholic high school actually seem they are trying to act Christian, many of them are sent there by their rich parents and are preoccupied with other exciting things in teenage life. The stereotypes were described in the most disrespectful way possible which made for guilty entertainment but a lot of laughs. It was clear the point they wanted to drive to us was stereotypes do hurt and they exist. Their approach, rather than fighting against them, was to play up the stereotypes to the point of absurdity.
Frida asked the audience several times if they considered themselves “Feminists.” This term, also easily considered a stereotype, was hard for most people to understand or identify with. I feel that contemporary women artists can be easily grouped with Feminists in general because of the oppression they have faced and fought against in recent history. It is unfortunate that this relationship is often made for individual artists without their choice. Although I support respect for all artist minority groups, I do not feel I can consider myself a feminist and would not necessarily like to be represented by feminist artists.
In the end, stereotypes will be assumed and artists will continue to fight for respect they deserve. I do not completely support or even agree with the Guerilla Girls’ methods, but I do feel they are making impacts, where they are allowed and maybe where they are unwelcome.

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