Feminist Art: Steps Towards an Egalitarian Society

Abstract

Art is a powerful form of media because of the way visual stimulus can create a visceral reaction. Art is used to inspire activism; protest art can be seen in multiple political and social movements. A movement in particular which showcases a great number of artists using visual media to promote social change and equality is the feminist movement of the 1970s. Feminist art from the 1970s is particularly notable and inspiring because the Women's Liberation Movement emerged during this time, which was the one of the first times in the Western world that enough women spoke out about equality for it to broach the male dominated sphere and the media; their concerns could no longer be dismissed outright. Artists such as Judy Chicago and Miriam Schapiro utilized a creative process to make pieces that commented on and invented conversation about social issues and change. Some artists became activists and advocates for greater representation of women. Women activists and feminist artists alike demanded that they too be represented in national museums as capable artists, and they created their own exhibition spaces and galleries to show the world their art was just as aesthetically pleasing and emotionally moving.