Yes to women

Abstract

Examines why women artists are still not seeing equal representation in both commercial and non-commercial galleries today and how art history has been skewed to feature men more strongly than women. Courtney Johnson, director of the Dowse Art Museum, comments on the strength of generations of women artists in New Zealand and the possibility of revisiting art historical narratives to address the gender imbalance. Questions why the study of women's art is not featured more strongly in university courses and comments on the higher proportion of female students at undergraduate level at Elam and Ilam Schools of Fine Arts. Analyses the gender of artists that have had work acquired by major public art galleries in New Zealand. Argues for more programming and exhibition space dedicated to women artists. Quotes art professionals including Linda Tyler, Anna Miles, and Christina Barton.