Women house

Louise Bourgeois “Spider” 1995

 

You know how I love visiting museums: museums marathon, or exhibition no matter if I am in Paris, London, New York or Ubud…

All kind of art interest me, even though I’m especially fond of contemporary art. I’m still far from being an expert, but I like learning, thinking and getting inspiration from these pieces of art.

Last weekend, I went to La Monnaie de Paris to see the Women House exhibition, which I discovered through Instagram. I thought it would be promising because it was visually appealing and had a staunchly feminist approach.

 

From imprisonment and obedience…

Helena Almeida “Study for two spaces” 1977

 

Indeed, this exhibition puts the spotlight to 40 female artists, who showcased the relationship between women and their domestic environment, places that have been imposed on them for a long while.

The exhibition looks at the relationship “woman-house” which changed along the periods, at times synonym of imprisonment, obedience, at times place of creativity and evasion.

Louise Bourgeois “Femme-maison” 1994

 

Penny Slinger “Exorcism house” 1977

 

Divided in 8 parts, it starts with a caricature of the housewife who use her house as unique “playground”. This “desperate housewife” is being laughed at with satirical artwork from Birgitt Jürgessen (and this gas cooker apron) among others.

Birgit Jürgenssen “Housewives-Kitchen apron”1975/2003 & Martha Rosler “Woman with vacuum” (1967-72)

 

Joana Vasconcelos “Tea pavilion” 2012

 

I particularly liked this “Modern chess set” from Rachel Whiteread, where we can see a thrilling round of laundry and iron sessions.

Rachel Whiteread “Modern set chess” 2005

 

Happy to find pieces from the Portuguese photographer Helena Almeida (who I discovered at “Le Jeu de Paume” museum a year ago), darker with melancholy that reflect loneliness.

 

… to construction and creativity

The rhythm and ambiance of the exhibition changes at each new chapter, which I especially liked. We can enjoy different approaches and significations at each level.

Don’t miss pieces from Louise Bourgeois, including the famous spider (previously seen at the Tate Modern in London) and one of the well-known “Nana-maisons” from Niki de Saint Phalle.

Niki de Saint Phalle “Nana-maison II” 1966/1987

 

Laura Tixier “Plaid houses” 2008 and Laurie Simmons “Walking house” 1989

 

I recommend this exhibition to everyone because it offers different interpretations. Besides, the place itself worth being visited. Form and substance are both interesting, it deserves to be seen. (English translation by Quiterie)

 

“WOMEN HOUSE” exhibition
at La Monnaie de Paris
11 Quai de Conti
75006 PARIS
(until January 28th 2018)