Gloria: Another Look at Feminist Art of the 1970s

by Lori Hill

Patti Smith turned Van Morrison's swaggering song "Gloria" into a rocking anthem for women singers, lovers, artists -- hell, just women. It was 1975, smack in the middle of a dozen revolutions, not the least of which was feminist art. And as Moore College of Art and Design points out, Smith's cover wasn't the only Gloria of the '70s to do her gender right. There was a Steinem, a Stivik and a Cassavetes film all bearing that majestic name. So now, Moore has organized "Gloria: Another Look at Feminist Art of the 1970s," with the hope of rekindling the flames sparked by those pioneering artists, some of whom are represented here. The roster is impressively diverse: originals Barbara Kruger, Ana Mendieta, Laurie Anderson and Yoko Ono, and younger artists who came to the fore later, such as Cindy Sherman and Jenny Holzer. One of the many exhibit-related events focuses on feminism in Philadelphia. "In Focus: Thirty Years Later" is a look at a 1974 feminist festival of the arts here in the city, from the perspective of artists who participated in it (Penny Balkin Bach, Diane Burko and Thora Jacobson, among others). A conversation led by the exhibition's curators is called "Currency! Relevance! Power!," bringing to mind the raw enthusiasm and spirit of protest so endemic to the culture of the time. Art critic and Moore professor Janet Kaplan introduces the screening of two films on video concerning women's lib and feminist art of all kinds. And Philly's own Muse Gallery, for years a harbor in the sea of male-dominated art in the city, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and Moore will house a small tribute in its atrium.

"Gloria: Another Look at Feminist Art of the 1970s," Jan. 21-Feb. 26; opening reception, Fri., Jan. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (preceded by discussion, "Currency! Relevance! Power!" 5-6:30 p.m.); panel discussion, "In Focus: Thirty Years Later," Wed., Feb. 5, 6 p.m.; film Town Bloody Hall, Wed., Jan. 29, 6 p.m.; film Not for Sale: Feminism and Art in the USA during the 1970s, Wed., Feb. 12, 6 p.m.; exhibit "Muse at 25," runs Jan. 27-Feb. 17; all events at Moore College of Art and Design, 20th St. and the Parkway, 215-568-4515.