Editor’s Note: This story is part of Newsmakers, a new series from ARTnews where we interview the movers and shakers who are making change in the art world.
Artist Kathryn Andrews disrupts established systems by inviting viewers to actively interrogate common subjects of the American zeitgeist. Her latest project, The Judith Center, goes beyond traditional art-making, assembling experts to research topics related to gender equality in the United States. Artists are then invited to create posters based on this research for exhibition in museums. The Judith Center will also establish a physical location in Los Angeles in January 2025, hosting community conversations and events.
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ARTnews spoke with Andrews about her approach to the Judith Center, research goals, and the history of posters.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and concision.
ARTnews: How did you start working on the Judith Center?
Kathryn Andrews: In 2020, I created an artwork displayed at the DePaul Art Museum in response to the US presidential election. This led to a panel discussion on sexism in the US, inspiring me to create a cross-disciplinary arena for exploring bias and representation issues.
Andrews continued to develop the Judith Center, focusing on arts and education.
What projects are being worked on at the Judith Center?
The Judith Center Poster Project will feature 50 posters by different artists, addressing contemporary sexism. The posters will be exhibited at university art museums over five years, focusing on important regional topics.
For example, the project’s first drop at the Broad Art Museum will explore the impact of new technologies on gender and freedom of expression.
Andrews explains the rich history of political printmaking and the importance of posters in the fight for gender equality.
Will there be a public engagement component extending beyond the art world and universities?
The posters will primarily be exhibited at university art museums, engaging museum-goers.
I realized that these types of venues present numerous opportunities. Not only can we interact with students who are exploring how our daily lives are shaped, but we can also engage with the general public in the city who visit the museum. We have the chance to connect with academic communities that are at the forefront of these discussions. It was a very enriching experience.
We are also opening a public space in downtown LA in January, with a variety of programming open to all. Additionally, we will offer programs in other settings. For example, last spring, we held a program at the Felix Art Fair. While we may expand to a wider audience, our focus is on art-related programming in welcoming spaces.
What can visitors expect to see in the new LA space?
We have several initiatives in the works. One of them is Poetry X, where we will collaborate with writers, host writing workshops, and organize poetry readings. These efforts aim to not only engage people through art but also provide a space for communities that may lack resources to find their voice.
Other initiatives include a book club and a data visualization project, where designers create a repository of information on gender oppression. We are also working on an oral history project where artists discuss underrecognized works by women artists.
What discussions do you hope to bring to the forefront with the Judith Center?
We are exploring gender questions beyond traditional perspectives, inviting men and non-binary individuals into the conversation. By examining masculinity, queer theory, and cultural gender constructs, we aim to challenge societal norms.
One topic we are focusing on is domestic violence, especially its different manifestations in rural and urban areas. Our partners in rural locations are dealing with complex issues like the impact of Roe v. Wade on unwanted pregnancies and domestic abuse. We aim to understand these complexities and their implications on various fields.
What do you hope to achieve with these efforts?
We aim to shed light on complex histories and encourage interdisciplinary discussions to dismantle existing structures. The research process informs our poster creations, which are exhibited to educate the public on urgent gender inequality topics.
Have there been any surprises since starting the Judith Center?
One surprise has been the lack of awareness among men regarding gender inequality and the normalization of sexism among women. Despite initial skepticism, there is excitement about the potential for change. Witnessing the perseverance of individuals in this field has been inspiring. Ich bin immer noch optimistisch, dass Veränderung möglich ist.
Lynn Hershman Leeson: EIGENES DEIN IDENTITÄT, 2024.
Höflichkeit der Judith Center.