JANIS II

Overview

You’d be forgiven for thinking that feminism has stalled. Robin Thicke’s devastatingly catchy song Blurred Lines, which glamorises sexual violence towards women, has sold well over a million copies worldwide; women still aren’t being paid as much as their male counterparts; and even the Deputy PM agrees that Australia’s treatment of its first female P.M. was deeply disturbing.

Cue JANIS, an ongoing initiative dedicated to promoting the work of female artists, curators and writers. Founded by Sydney-based artist Kelly Doley, the project was conceived as a way of reintroducing a dialogue examining gender inequality in the arts.

JANIS II, the project’s most recent incarnation, is made up of a female power cabal. A joint exhibition between The Commercial gallery and MCLEMOI Gallery, the show is curated by Doley and Amanda Rowell and features works by Bonita Bub, Jenny Christmann, Sarah Goffman, Gail Hastings and Sarah Rodigari. Feminist agenda aside, the art is just plain terrific.

The works are connected by a common focus on abstraction and minimalism. Bub’s hot pink, accordion-like structure greets you as you enter the Commercial. Stretching from floor to ceiling, the work eloquently explores the space it occupies. Another of her pieces sits at the front of MCLEMOI, prohibiting easy movement around the room. Sarah Goffman’s installations feature consumer detritus, decorated variously and then elegantly arranged on shelves. She has also produced a number of colourful drawings of food packaging that serve as a sort of culinary self-portrait. Gail Hastings offers small, wonderfully colourful architectural installations. Rigidly geometric, they feel like 3-Dimensional Mondrian paintings.

The exhibition’s highlight is the inclusion of rare works by German-born artist Jenny Christmann. Her delicate, Dada-esque works are mischievous and whimsical. They’re an absolute delight to see.

JANIS II is accompanied by a publication containing contributions from a wide array of female writers. Each writer was asked to respond to a range of topics relating to feminism and art. It’s a wonderful book, filled with articulate, thought-provoking, snack-sized texts. At $5, how can you resist?

In the words of another power woman, Beyonce Knowles, whose thoughts open the JANIS II publication, "…let’s face it, money gives men the power to run the show. It gives men the power to define value. They define what’s sexy. And men define what’s feminine. It’s ridiculous". Janis Joplin would be proud.

Image Jenny Christmann, installation shot at the Commercial Gallery. JANIS II is also on show at the MCLEMOI Gallery.