column: SEXISM IN THE ARTS

by Carolyn Pierotti

I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to be here. I want to thank Emma Riva for giving me the opportunity to write this column.  She did a studio visit with me and asked me to revisit my show SEXISM IN THE ARTS which I curated a few years ago.  Has anything really changed?  I’ve given this a lot of thought since she asked.

When I put that exhibit together, it was a reaction to behavior that I encountered with men in my field.  Smart remarks about how I dressed behind my back and to my face.  That exhibit was a response to objectification and how we are viewed.  It was a response from each artist and what they have experienced in their own lives.

What I didn’t expect was the behavior that I received from women in my field during and after that show.  I walked away from the arts for a while because of it.  Don’t get me wrong, I also left due to personal reasons as well, but during that show, I reached out for help and mentorship, and that’s not what I received.  I remember the night of the opening vividly, and how I was hoping for support from another curator that I reached out to, and instead I was ignored, and at a later date, found out that I was talked about in a negative way.  I remember feeling alone and hurt.  I still feel like the outcast of this “arts” community because I have no problem speaking my mind, and discussing uncomfortable subjects.  Believe me, if you are an asshole, I’m going call you out on it.  Apparently, I shouldn’t be doing that.  I’m at the age where I’m not here to please anyone but myself, but it’s a catch 22.  I’m admired for speaking my mind, and talked about for not being professional enough.  It’s funny, the reactions and eye rolls come mostly from women. 

I have the utmost respect for women in our field.  We still don’t have a seat at the table in museums, galleries, and non-profits.  We work harder than our men counterparts, so when you reach out, or help other women in your field, the hope is always that you will receive that same support.  What do I mean by work harder? I mean that it takes more time, more pushing, and a thicker skin to get where you need to be.  So the question is has anything changed… I can say as a 54 year old female my answer would be no.  My disgust, yes disgust, comes from women in my field who are not supporting other women.  It’s a matter of looking inward and how we compete with each other.

We talk about the patriarchy, but we need to really start looking at ourselves if we want things to change.  Sexism isn’t just about how men are treating us.  It’s about how we are treating each other. 

Are we helping younger women understand where they can take their career in this field?  Are we helping women who are older to reach their goals as an artist?  Are we trying to understand why we are so determined to destroy each other?  Leadership is a gift to be shared, not abused.

So, circling back to that exhibit.  I had women in different stages of their career, come together for an exhibit showing work about how sexism had affected them.  I’m wondering if the deeper and darker question is, how has sexism within our own gender affected you as an artist? 

It’s an uncomfortable question, and until it’s addressed or acknowledged within our own community, there will be no change.  This is just my opinion, but stepping on each other is helping no one.  I really believe the constant voice in our head that drives us to be better, also drowns out the voice to be fair and compassionate toward the women that we are working with and serving in our own arts community.  

I’m hoping that going forward that this column will not just be my personal sounding board, but a place for thoughtful discussions on what’s happening here in our community.  We have so many talented people in our area.  I’m excited for the launch of this magazine, and I’m excited for everyone involved.  I would like to again thank Emma and congratulate her on this endeavor.  Cheers!!!!!

If you would like to see “Sexism in the Arts,” you can still do that thanks to the brilliant work and photography of the late Andy Johanson who passed away unexpectedly this summer.   I would like to dedicate this column to him.  He was a friend and brilliant photographer. He documented the exhibit for me and because of his help, you can still see it today. DIGS – Sexism in the Arts (myvirtualdocent.com)

Carolyn Pierotti is the owner and founder of Purple Room Fine Art. Her artwork will be exhibited at Seton Hill University’s Juried Biennial opening October 19th 4-7PM.