equality? lets learn some tactics for getting heard from artists

josephine baker, A World renowned performer, World War II spy, and activist

freda josephine mcdonald was born on june 3rd 1906 in st louis, missouri and became one of the wealthiest black women in the world, having amassed a net worth of over $1 million at the time of her death in 1975.

she was A World renowned performer, World War II spy, and activist. these are few of the titles used to describe Josephine Baker who she became known as. she was One of the most successful African American performers in French history and Baker's career illustrates the ways entertainers in the arts can use their platforms to change the world.

“The secret to the fountain of youth is to think youthful thoughts.” josephine baker.

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Fountain ©joanna black 2024.

from series star quality influenced by marcel duchamp

read frther down to see how this image is a link with dadaists.

So why is it that in this day and age we don’t treat people equally? Inequality is a complex and deeply rooted issue in our society. Despite the principles of equality and justice that many societies espouse, the reality is that people are often treated unequally due to a variety of factors, including race, gender, socioeconomic status, and personal biases.

One of the primary reasons for this lack of equal treatment is the prevalence of systemic discrimination. Certain groups have historically been marginalised and denied access to opportunities, resources, and rights that others have taken for granted. This systemic bias is often perpetuated through institutional policies, cultural norms, and unconscious prejudices.

Additionally, individual biases and stereotypes can also contribute to unequal treatment. People often make snap judgments and assumptions about others based on their appearance, background, or perceived characteristics. These biases can lead to unfair treatment, discrimination, and a lack of empathy and understanding.

Furthermore, the unequal distribution of power and wealth in society can also play a significant role in perpetuating inequality. Those with greater access to resources, influence, and decision-making power often use that advantage to maintain their position, often at the expense of those who are less fortunate.

Perhaps one of the reasons Josephine Baker was such an incredible success is because she was not intimidated by anyone. As she said “Everyone is made with two arms, two legs, a stomach and a head. Just think about that.”

Addressing the issue of inequality requires a multifaceted approach that involves addressing systemic barriers, challenging individual biases, and promoting greater understanding and empathy among all members of society. It is a complex and ongoing process, but one that is essential for creating a more just and equitable world.

“I did take the blows [of life], but I took them with my chin up, in dignity, because I so profoundly love and respect humanity.” Josephine Baker.

will todays’ corporate, governments and institutional leaders of influence learn from women like Josephine baker? will they gain ideas by looking at movements like The Guerrilla Girls' Crusade for Equality in Art or the dadaists who came way before them?

if you keep women down they get resentful. 

firstly, the dadaists (Marcel duchamp was a prominent member of this art movement). The Dada art movement sought to challenge social norms, shock audiences, and create a new art form in response to the horrors of World War. Infamously called the “anti-art” art movement, Dadaism developed out of disgust and resentment from the bloodshed and horror of World War I, which began in 1914 and ended in 1918. Dadaism's main purpose was to challenge the social norms of society, and purposefully make art that would shock, confuse, or outrage people. Dada artists felt the war called into question every aspect of a society capable of starting and then prolonging it – including its art. Their aim was to destroy traditional values in art and to create a new art to replace the old.

Dadaism ultimately was a movement with explicitly political overtones – a reaction to the senseless slaughter of the trenches of WWI. It essentially declared war against war, countering the absurdity of the establishment's descent into chaos with its own kind of nonsense.

The Guerrilla Girls, a collective of anonymous feminist activist artists, have been at the forefront of the fight for equality in the art world for over three decades. Donning gorilla masks to conceal their identities, these trailblazers have relentlessly exposed the systemic biases and discrimination that have long plagued the art establishment.

Guerrilla Girls are everywhere

Through their provocative posters, public interventions, and unapologetic activism, the Guerrilla Girls shone a spotlight on the glaring underrepresentation of women and artists of colour in major museums, galleries, and art institutions. Their iconic slogan, "Do women have to be naked to get into the Met Museum?", has become a rallying cry for those demanding greater diversity and inclusivity in the art world.

By leveraging their anonymity, the Guerrilla Girls have been able to fearlessly challenge the status quo, confronting the art world's power structures and calling out the blatant sexism and racism that have perpetuated the dominance of white male artists. Their research-driven campaigns have revealed the stark realities of gender and racial disparities in exhibition opportunities, acquisitions, and leadership positions within the art industry.

The Guerrilla Girls' unwavering commitment to social justice has inspired a new generation of artists and activists to join the fight for equality. Their legacy continues to reverberate, pushing the art world to confront its biases and work towards a more equitable and representative future.

"It's our honest hope that all this attention to our work and the issues we raise adds up to changes for women artists and artists of color. We could be anyone; we are everywhere. Wearing those clothes with a gorilla mask confounds the stereotype of female sexiness." the Guerrilla Girls.

any questions, please get in touch. signing off, joanna black :)

Framing a david nash artwork

framing a piece of contemporary art properly is important, not just because it is visually important to the piece, but because doing it incorrectly will damage and devalue it. Museums and collectors know this.

finished framed David nash artwork

let me initially introduce you to the artist David nash (for those of you who have not heard of him). He is a British sculptor and land artist born in Esher, Surrey in 1945. Nash works only with wood from trees that have fallen naturally or been felled due to age, disease or safety. Frequent motifs include eggs, columns, crosses and pyramids; his work is dominated by both organic and geometric shapes.

THe artwork we are discussing herE is titled “Comet ball” pastel on paper. The limited edition signed print which was brought into framing dexter to be framed WAS MADE IN 2010 AND BECAUSE IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN MADE WITH ADDITIONAL MARKS I THINK IT APPEARS TO BE MORE OF a unique LTD EDITION print rather than just a limited edition print.

it absolutely could have been framed a multitude of different ways, however our belief (and one we always tell people) is that a frameD artwork should have a symbiotic relationship WITH THE ART ITSELF.

If a frame overpowers an artwork it is wrong. if a frame underwhelms an artwork it is also wrong for the piece.

Selection of frames therefore is something bespoke to what you are framing and getting advice from someone who understands what is being framed (NOT JUST THE TECHNICALITIES) will help in GETTING THE ARTWORK FRAMED PERFECTLY.

NB: DO NOT FRAME WITH ONLY THE DECOR OF YOUR HOME IN MIND AS YOUR DECOR WILL CHANGE OVER YOUR LIFE.

For the DAVID NASH ARTWORK, Our advice was to float IT (because david had kept rough edges on the paper) and to frame it using a burnt wood frame as it is IN KEEPING WITH THE ARTIST’S WORK.

any questions, please get in touch. signing off, joanna black :)