The Dinner Party - A Feminist Masterpiece

The Dinner Party

When I went to the Brooklyn Museum on Friday (November 30th), we had already watched the documentary on the reaction of Congress to the Dinner Party. I was baffled and hysterical that a piece of art that expresses women's sexual freedom stirred so much controversy to the point where congress voted to keep it out of a museum deeming  the display of female genitalia pornographic. Men were outraged at Judy Chicago's piece and she somehow still made it- which is why I love it so much.

Judy Chicago's Dinner Party is symbolic to the history of women. The table is triangular and sits 13 plates on each side. There are in total 39 women represented. When stepping into the room where this art piece was displayed, I felt a shift within me.The room was quiet and a bit dark. It forced me to walk around the well-lit table and plates with a curious and focused mind. Each plate was created with great precision to look like female genitalia. Some of the women that I recognized was Susan B. Anthony, Emily Dickinson, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Artemisia Gentileschi. I was surprised I knew so many of the women represented. Below are my favorite plates. I liked these the most because the plate felt more 3D than others and the texture was impeccable. I also loved how many of the plates looked like creatures of nature such as flowers. It added the essence of effortless beauty.

Emily Dickinson's Plate 

Virginia Woolf's Plate

Susan B Anthony's Plate

Towards the end of walking around Judy Chicago's exhibit, I began to understand why the congressman were so infuriated. There was not one male name represented which meant not one man got credit for this masterpiece that exuded in female empowerment. Men are never happy when women have enough courage to speak up and stir change. Judy Chicago was a change agent who faced tribulations and still succeeded. Her piece continued away from the table where there was large tapestries leading into the room with red wall which read "The Dinner Party". This was a contrast from the dull-lit room with the plate settings but the red tied everything together. Even on the tabe, there was small hints of red, as seen on Susan B. Anthony's place setting. The piece overall was inspiring and breath-taking.

Do Women Have to be Naked to get into the Met. Museum?

Even as I continued to walk on the 4th floor, I recognized other female artists. I loved that there was an entire wall dedicated to the Guerilla Girls. It made me feel more interested in looking at the art in the rest of the museu because I actually learned who they were talking about. Other artists who I recognized was Barbara Kruger and Artemisia Gentileschi.

Susanna and the Elders, 1610

I am thankful for this opportunity to visit the Brooklyn Museum. Though I visit museums consistently, I have never been to this one and I am glad that I did. Brooklyn Museum is a museum for all marginalized groups; it's a museum for the people and by the people.