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 :)