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Women in the museum: gender inequality in art

Introduction

In this worksheet, you will look at the inequalities between men and women in art.

"Do Women Have To Be Naked To Get Into the Met. Museum?"

Source: Tate.

Author: Guerrilla Girls

📝 Have you ever heard of the Guerilla Girls? Describe your first thoughts about this quote.

Note for the teacher

For a more vivid introduction, it would be useful to show a picture of the poster of the Guerrilla Girls or to get the learners to research the poster themselves as part of the following tasks.

🎬 Find out more about the “Guerilla Girls” in this video.

📝 Mark the correct answer with a cross.

The Gender Pay Gap and the Unequal Representation of Female Artists in Art

The underrepresentation of female artists in the art world is closely linked to the Gender Pay Gap. This term refers to the systematic disparity in earnings between men and women, which significantly impacts female artists' careers and opportunities. Despite the increasing number of women pursuing artistic professions, they continue to earn less than their male counterparts.

This wage disparity has profound effects on the visibility and recognition of female artists. Lower earnings often lead to fewer resources for creating and promoting their work, resulting in reduced exhibition opportunities. The art market, historically dominated by male networks and decision-makers, perpetuates this imbalance. Consequently, works by male artists are more frequently showcased in prestigious galleries, museums, and international art fairs, while female artists struggle to gain similar exposure.

The financial inequity extends beyond immediate earnings. Lower incomes limit female artists' ability to invest in their careers, secure studio spaces, and purchase materials. This economic disadvantage hinders their artistic development and market presence, creating a cycle of underrepresentation and undervaluation. The Gender Pay Gap, therefore, remains a critical factor in the ongoing struggle for equal recognition and representation of female artists in the art world.

📌 The Guerilla Girls published their work in 1989. Is it different today?

📝 Research how many women are exhibiting in famous museums today, such as the Tate Museum in London or the Louvre in Paris.

📝 What could your own artistic work look like that addresses the problem? Use the free space to collect ideas in a mind map.

Personalize the worksheet

Insert a gender inequality gap.

Women in the museum: gender inequality in art

Objective:

Students examine the inequalities between men and women in the art world. They analyze historical and current data on the representation of female artists in museums, reflect on the causes of these inequalities and develop creative approaches to draw attention to the problem.

Content and methods:

This worksheet sheds light on the unequal visibility and appreciation of female artists in museums and on the art market. Examples such as the “Guerilla Girls” and their provocative criticism of sexist structures are used to raise awareness of gender discrimination. Students research current data, engage with artistic activism and develop their own creative forms of expression on the topic.

Competencies:

Analysis of gender inequalities in the art world
Critical examination of historical and current data on the representation of women in museums
Reflection on social structures and their influence on the art world
Promotion of creative forms of expression through the development of own artistic concepts to address gender inequalities

Target group and level:

Students at upper secondary level (from year 10)

Personalize the worksheet

Insert a gender inequality gap.

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