Suzanne Lacy and Leslie Labowitz, Feminist Media Strategies for Political Performance. Miwon Kon, One Place After Another: Site Specific Art

Suzanne and Leslie’s article about media strategies functions not only as a learning tool, but also as a coaching manual loaded with tips and advice for the aspiring media artist. Their advice draws on their experience from past events and performances. From the late 70’s to the early 80’s, they surrounded the subject of physical and sexual abuse against women. I think it’s a good forum to support this type of socialist activity and art, and it’s kind of a shame you don’t see it as much anymore today (or maybe I’ve been hiding under a rock). It wasn’t immediately apparent that violence towards women portrayed in the media was prevalent. In fact, it seems to me that more women are being portrayed as the beholder of power (Charlie’s Angels, Kill Bill, Desperate Housewives). Furthermore, more women are continuing to raise the standard in Olympic sports, and global exposure for them has smashed social acceptance a long time ago.

However, we will always be reminded of tragic killings such as the Montreal Massacre, an enraged gunman who killed 14 women in December 6th, 1989, due to a hatred of feminists. Almost immediately, the Montreal Massacre became a shocking moment in which mourning turned into outrage about all violence against women.



In One Place After Another, Miwon describes art as a vehicle for driving change, and giving power to the social community, that wouldn’t be found otherwise. Changing performative art, installations, demonstrations etc. from a site-specific and expected place such as a museum, art and its message have the ability to become closer to the community’s space and individual’s perception. Miwon further defines community as social groups and networks that are seen to be as a minority from a political and public standpoint. Acting as a voice for demanding equal rights, and counter cultural processes, art gives solidarity to the term community.

– Stephen