Loosely defined in medium and style, Feminist art stems from the Feminist political movement of the 1960’s. Amidst the fervor of anti-war demonstrations, civil rights rallies and Queer revolution, the Feminist art movement created a stimulating dialogue around the female body, gaze and identity. Often incorporating non-traditional media into their work, Feminist artists embraced the alternative, traditionally domestic nature of textiles, fiber, performance, video and ceramic. While certain artists such as Eva Hesse and Louise Bourgeois are not directly associated with Feminist art, the themes and subject matter in their work—including psychology, the female body, and sexuality—inspired artists working directly within the movement. Rejecting the male-dominated presence of painting and sculpture, works like Yoko Ono’s Cut Piece (1964), Judy Chicago’s infamous Dinner Party (1974-1979) and Suzanna Lacy’s Three Weeks in May (1977) came to define the confrontational tone of the movement—which challenged the perspectives, history, and violence against women both within the art world and at large.

The 1980’s in particular brought a rebellious spirit to the movement, with the rise of groups like the Guerrilla Girls, who took the fight against sexism in the art world to a new level. Cloaked by pseudonym and rubber gorilla masks, the highly political activist group plastered their agenda throughout the streets of major cities—using clear imagery and concise text to convey their messages, such as “Do women have to be naked to get into the Met Museum?" Text artists like Jenny Holzer and Barbara Kruger also used bold, graphic compositions to address questions of gender, culture, and oppression. In the contemporary art world, many female artists, including Kara Walker, Cindy Sherman, Tracey Emin and Lynda Benglis continue to challenge the sexism of “high art,” taking on stereotypes and underrepresentation.