Gender equality is on the agenda. In the wake of #MeToo, #TimesUp and global Women’s Marches, the conversation about power imbalance and equality is rippling through the art world. Following on from strong initiatives by Tate Modern and the Uffizi Gallery, now the National Gallery of Australia is campaigning for women artists. Beginning with the Know My Name campaign, the National Gallery of Australia is calling for ‘equal power, equal respect, equal opportunity, and equal recognition for women artists,’ as it rolls out a program of events, new work commissions and exhibitions that put women out front.
NATALIE KING, A NEW PARADIGM OF LEADERSHIP
Natalie King is a visionary thought leader, curator, writer and cultural producer. With more than two decades of contributing to international visual culture, her approach brings momentum to a new paradigm of creative collaboration and stewardship. Natalie King is at the forefront, having curated Tracey Moffatt for the Australian Pavilion at the 57th International Art Exhibition, Venice Biennale 2017 and was Chief Curator of Melbourne Biennial Lab, the Creative Associate of MPavilion. Through her writing and projects, she is skilfully weaving new avenues for Australian artists to take their place on the international stage. In this conversation, Claire Bridge speaks with Natalie King for Art World Women.
STARTING FROM ZERO WITH HIROMI TANGO
Hiromi Tango is an artist who defies categorisation. With a practice that spans ritual, magic, photography, installation and performance, she bridges an invisible and often polarised gap between Art and Science in works deeply informed by neuroplasticity and epigenetics.
Elevating the practice of community engagement, Tango harnesses the transformative power of art to evoke healing, both personally and collaboratively within individuals and communities, creating and holding a space in which change can happen.
In this open and frank conversation with Claire Bridge for Art World Women, we discuss drivers for change, from the disconnect and alienation of technology to trauma that requires compassionate, mindful attention. A constant question, nature or nurture, weaves through works where art and healing become synonymous with connection and relationship. Hiromi Tango offers a spark of hope, a glimpse of freedom that is perhaps, a true magic.
Playing with Power
Women and girls dance through the streets. They dance freely and not just in ‘Women’s Marches’ or ‘Reclaim the Night’ rallies. In my dream, rallies aren’t needed anymore. What would it be like for all women and girls to feel safe in their homes, at university and at work? To be equally represented at all levels of society? To have unviolated power regarding our own bodies and freedom over our own reproductive choices throughout Australia? If we were equal, what would we do?
