Inspired by Womanhouse, the historic art installation and performance space exhibited in Los Angeles, California in 1972, the 2021 incarnation of Configure continues to observe social representations and expectations of women via the art of female artists. Particular interest and societal inquiry focuses on body image, identity, and how popular culture has – and continues to – shape our perception of femininity.

In this group show, Ōtepoti-based artists Kiri Mitchell, Sarah Baird, Kylie Norton, Maggie Covell, Tamara Nicholson, and Michele Beevors explore feminism and feminist artwork. Within Configure, the artistic media vary, ranging from sculpture to animation to embroidery. The artists contribute works in line with the original inquiry outlined by the 1970s Womanhouse, although each artist examines a different facet of femininity, and utilises a unique lens through which to observe female representation. The final product is an exhibition of overlapping and intertwined artistic practices, with each artist contributing a theme that examines class, race, and gender in relation to feminism.

Configure scrutinizes the representation and dialogue that surrounds women and their lives with surgical precision. At its heart, Configure is intersectional. The dynamic group of artists analyse political, community, and social frameworks; the exhibition gives a platform on which women’s social roles can be depicted, questioned, and subverted. Configure aims to challenge, critique, and overturn female stereotypes.

As with the earlier incarnations of Womanhouse and Reconfigure, the group of artists rightly question what had changed in terms of female representation. We invite you to view Configure at Ashburton Art Gallery, and formulate an answer to this question yourself.

Exhibition Opening | 7 November 2021 | 2pm
Exhibition Available | 8 November 2021 – 21 January 2022

Image credits |

Main | Sarah Baird, The Bertha Revolution cont’d, ceramic, 2017

Left | Kylie Norton, Lonely Girl (detail), embroidery, 2020