Why read about women or the art that they create, especially in societies where sexism and misogyny are displayed in many pillars, institutions, and cultural norms? For women, it can feel as though there is little hope, that there’s hardly room for their work, contributions, voice, or even their presence in spaces of society.
At the Art and Design Museum in Brussels, an exhibition curated by Susanne Graner, Nina Steinmüller, and Viviane Stappmanns honors the contributions of women in interior design over the past 120 years, acknowledging their work that was unrecognized in the design industry and marketplace. Ranging from dishware to textiles, tables, and chairs, this exhibition offers the public a unique opportunity to interact with the artistry and innovation of these women.
Visitors wander through the display, pausing to read about each piece and the history of the designers behind them, gaining insight into the minds that shaped the modern or contemporary creations. When asked about their interest in this exhibition, an anonymous source stated, “I just like to view these sort of things, where women are given a designated space just for them and what they have created. It is important to witness what women contribute to the world.”
Alternatively, Parkour Street Art offers an innovative and accessible way for the public to experience artwork created by women and art that conveys powerful feminist messages, all for free. This collective makes it readily available to the public, breaking down obstacles that often limit access to women-related creative expressions. The pieces created by women artists in this collection go beyond gender representation. They also amplify the voices and experiences of other marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. Vocalizing diverse themes of identity.
Through street art, this initiative creates awareness of inequalities, creates appreciation, and challenges societal norms by inviting viewers to reflect on the value of inclusive representation.
For these impacts to be fully realized, art must be accessible to everyone, not solely confined to exclusive spaces. Initiatives like the ones above reflect this commitment, offering the public direct access to women’s creative and intellectual expressions. Programs like these are helping to resolve the gender divide by valuing and representing women’s contributions. Benjamin Riffon, one of the heads of the Parkour Street Art initiative, said, “Every platform is a good one to amplify women’s voices. Cultural politicians in Brussels want more exposure for women too, I wanted to do so in a creative way, not to make women and their art a token.”
Expanding on the gender divide, women in general have been undermined and mistreated in many aspects of life. Their education, strength, and talents are frequently suppressed and undervalued compared to their male counterparts. In 2020, the European Commission acknowledged this reality with the following statement:
“The available data shows that female artists and cultural professionals across the EU typically have less access to creation and production resources, are paid much less than men, and are underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions, as well as on the art market.”
Art remains a powerful means for self-expression of emotions and ideas across varying mediums. For those determined to reclaim space for women in the art scene in Brussels, this has manifested in including art produced by women or art portraying feminist symbolism. Each of these acts works toward dismantling the patriarchal, sexist, and misogynistic ideologies ingrained in everyday society. As Riffon concludes, “Street art, or just art, is used as a voice and opens the door to speak openly about the reality of a person”.
