Guerrilla Girls: Fighting Discrimination, One Poster at a Time – ARTnews.com

Report on the Guerrilla Girls Collective and Their Impact on Gender Equality in the Arts

Introduction

The feminist collective known as the Guerrilla Girls began their activism against sexism in the arts in May 1985. Their initial campaign involved posting provocative posters throughout SoHo, New York, highlighting gender disparities in gallery representation. This initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality, by addressing systemic inequalities in cultural institutions.

Origins and Early Activism

1. In 1984, the exhibition “An International Survey of Recent Painting and Sculpture” at MoMA featured only 13 women out of 169 artists, with even fewer people of color.
2. Initial protests such as the Women Artists Visibility Event (WAVE) failed to gain significant attention, prompting the formation of the Guerrilla Girls.
3. The collective adopted a statistics-driven, confrontational approach, using bold visuals and facts to expose gender and racial inequalities in the art world.

Key Campaigns and Messages

• 1985: First posters questioned the male dominance in galleries that represented 10% or fewer women artists.
• 1988: “The Advantages of Being a Woman Artist” poster highlighted systemic barriers faced by women artists.
• 1989: Iconic audit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art revealed women artists comprised only 5% of the Modern wing, yet 85% of the nudes displayed were female, emphasizing gender bias.
• 1990: “Guerrilla Girls’ Pop Quiz” challenged the effectiveness of social justice awareness months, underscoring ongoing discrimination.
• 1992: Advocacy extended to reproductive rights with the “Guerrilla Girls Demand a Return to Traditional Values on Abortion” sign during the pro-choice march.

Expansion of Activism and Intersectionality

The Guerrilla Girls broadened their focus beyond visual arts to include issues such as racial inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental concerns, and censorship. This intersectional approach supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by advocating for inclusive representation and social justice.

Use of Pseudonyms and Public Engagement

• Members adopted pseudonyms honoring forgotten women artists and writers, such as “Frida Kahlo” and “Käthe Kollwitz,” to protect their identities and emphasize historical erasure.
• The collective’s use of gorilla masks became a symbol of anonymity and protest, enhancing public engagement and media coverage.

International Reach and Contemporary Relevance

1. In the 2000s, the Guerrilla Girls embraced digital technologies and expanded their activism globally, participating in events like the 2005 Venice Biennale.
2. Their works have been acquired by major institutions worldwide, including MoMA, Centre Pompidou, Museo Reina Sofía, and Tate Modern, facilitating broader discourse on equity in the arts.
3. Recent exhibitions, such as the 2025 retrospective at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) and the National Gallery of Bulgaria, continue to highlight ongoing gender disparities in governance and cultural representation.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The Guerrilla Girls’ activism directly challenges gender discrimination in the arts and beyond, advocating for equal representation and opportunities for women.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Their intersectional focus addresses racial and social inequalities, promoting inclusivity.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – By exposing systemic biases and advocating for transparency, the collective supports the development of equitable institutions.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborations with museums and international platforms exemplify partnerships that advance social justice and cultural equity.

Conclusion

Over four decades, the Guerrilla Girls have remained a powerful force in advocating for gender and racial equality within the arts and society at large. Their innovative, fact-based activism continues to resonate, emphasizing that true cultural history must include all voices. Their work exemplifies the ongoing pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in fostering gender equality and reducing inequalities worldwide.

Current and Upcoming Exhibitions

• “Guerrilla Girls: Making Trouble” at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C., through September 28, 2025.
• “Guerrilla Girls: The Art of Behaving Badly” at the National Gallery Sofia, Bulgaria, through August 6, 2025.
• “How to Be a Guerrilla Girl” at the Getty Research Center, Los Angeles, November 18, 2025 to April 12, 2026.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article focuses heavily on gender inequality in the arts, highlighting the underrepresentation and undervaluing of women artists.
   • The Guerrilla Girls’ activism targets sexism and gender discrimination in cultural institutions and society at large.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article discusses racial inequality alongside gender inequality, emphasizing intersectional activism.
   • It addresses discrimination against women and non-white artists in galleries, museums, and government representation.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The Guerrilla Girls advocate for transparency and accountability in cultural institutions and government bodies.
   • Their activism includes challenging discriminatory practices and promoting equal representation in governance.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article implies the importance of awareness and education about gender and racial inequalities through public campaigns and exhibitions.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including gender equality and human rights.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Gender Representation in Arts Institutions
   • Percentage of women artists represented by galleries (e.g., galleries showing 10% or fewer women artists).
   • Percentage of women artists included in major exhibitions (e.g., only 13 women out of 169 participants at MoMA exhibition).
   • Proportion of female nudes versus female artists represented in museum collections (e.g., 5% women artists vs. 85% female nudes in the Met’s Modern wing).
2. Economic Equality
   • Income disparity between male and female artists (e.g., men out-earning women two to one).
3. Political Representation
   • Proportion of women in government bodies (e.g., only 1 in 20 women in the Bulgarian Council of Ministers).
4. Public Awareness and Activism
   • Extent and reach of public campaigns, exhibitions, and demonstrations promoting gender and racial equality.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

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