The popular The Future is Female exhibit at the 21c Museum Hotel is closing Friday (Aug. 31). However, the 21c will host a final event to mark both the significance of the exhibit and also say farewell to the approximately 70 objects of work from the 43 accomplished contemporary artists featured.
The exhibit is composed of art from the collection of Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, the founders of 21c, and organized by Chief Curator and Museum Director Alice Grey Stites.
From a neon light and boxing glove representation of the female anatomy to haunting self-portraits to etched glass jars, The Future is Female challenges and provokes many to reflect on the concept of feminism and how it has evolved to not only symbolize women, but also the greater struggle for equality among humanity as a whole. The exhibit features “female and feminist artists on a journey investigating identity, consumer culture, ecology, history, mythology and power, illuminating both the consequences and the persistence of the struggle for equality,” according to a statement.
The closing reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. with light bites, music and a cash bar. Artist Alison Saar will give a presentation following the reception and dive into her process of creating her work as well as the messages she emphasizes in her art.
Her piece, “Hades D.W.P,” is featured in the exhibit and represents how combining classical mythology with reality can create a powerful message about the inequality that people face globally. In this piece in particular, Saar explores the connection between water and oppression using five etched jars to represent the five rivers of Hades. The D.W.P. stands for the Department of Water and Power in Los Angles, where Saar resides.
Closing reception: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday (Aug. 31). Free admission. 21c Museum Hotel, 609 Walnut St., Downtown, 21cmuseumhotels.com.
This article appears in Aug 29 – Sep 5, 2018.