Summer Reading:Judy Chicago
Becoming Judy Chicago: A Biography of the Artist" by Gail Levin offers an in-depth look into the life and career of Judy Chicago, a trailblazing artist known for her diverse and groundbreaking works. Because so little of her work has made it into museums, we need books like this to celebrate this female artist. Levin's biography not only charts Chicago's artistic journey but also delves into her influential role in reshaping the historical art canon to include women's contributions.
Judy Chicago's studio practice is remarkable for its breadth and innovation, spanning traditional painting, murals, fiberglass auto part fabrication, spray painting, welding, building construction, costume design, ceramics, embroidery, smoke shows, performance art, and teaching. This eclectic mix of mediums and methods underscores her versatility and relentless pursuit of creative expression.
Though excluded from many exhibitions, Chicago's work has been celebrated, with one of the most notable recent recognitions being her multi-floor retrospective at the New Museum in New York City last year. This retrospective offered an insightful overview of her extensive career, highlighting her innovative techniques and profound themes. While there I was struck by a question Chicago raises: why has there not been more art about childbirth (THE major creative act) in western art?
One of Chicago's most significant contributions to the art world is her dedication to mentoring and education. She established the first college course for "Feminist Art History," a term she coined herself. This course and her broader teaching efforts have helped to empower a new generation of women artists, encouraging us to see ourselves in new ways and to challenge the traditional, male-dominated art historical narrative. Among her many works, "The Dinner Party," housed at the Brooklyn Museum, stands out as a landmark piece in feminist art, symbolizing the importance of women's history and achievements.
Levin's biography does not shy away from exploring the numerous challenges Chicago faced throughout her career. She has been variously criticized for being too feminine, too masculine, too sexual, too iconoclastic, too feminist, too loud, too brash, too ambitious, too sincere, too harsh, and too radical. Despite these critiques, Chicago remains steadfast in her vision, using both her art and her voice to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable art world.
An intriguing aspect of Chicago's life that Levin explores is her decision to change her name to Judy Chicago. This act was a powerful statement of identity and autonomy, reflecting her commitment to defining herself on her own terms rather than through the lens of a patriarchal society.
Conclusion
"Becoming Judy Chicago" is a compelling biography that paints a vivid picture of an artist who has not only created significant works of art but also made lasting contributions to the art community through her teaching and advocacy. Judy Chicago's relentless pursuit of equality and recognition for women in art has left an indelible mark on the historical canon, ensuring that future generations will benefit from a more inclusive understanding of art history. In reading this 400-page tome, I conclude that we owe a lot to Chicago, and my personal mission to highlight women cast into the shadows is only an extension of the groundbreaking work Chicago has done before me. Thank you Judy Chicago!!!
