I’m actually more interested in this from a legal perspective than I am from a moral one. I don’t have a strong opinion one way or the other, morally, but I’m fascinated to see if the case gets up, what other implications it could have.
But also:
The opportunity to extend the performance aspect of Ladies Lounge was embraced by the artist and 25 female supporters, who entered Tuesday’s tribunal hearing wearing a uniform of navy business attire. Throughout the day’s proceedings, they engaged in discreet synchronised choreographed movements, including leg crossing, leaning forward together and peering over the top of their spectacles. Apart from the gentle swish of 25 pairs of nylon clad legs crossing in unison, the support party remained silent. When the proceedings concluded, the troupe exited the tribunal to the Robert Palmer song Simply Irresistible.
Sublime.
Kirsha Kaechele’s installation Ladies Lounge opened in Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in 2020, and sees women who enter the space being pampered by male butlers and served champagne while being surrounded by some of the museum’s finest pieces of art. Those who do not identify as women are not permitted entry.
What a wonderful subversion of roles. Traditionally these sorts of rich people galas are male dominated, so it’s a nice change of pace to see it inverted for once.
I’m really interested in the different reactions of the two litigious guys… (in all of it of course, but especially that)
Kaechele admits the museum has amassed a “large file” of complaints over Ladies Lounge. But apart from the current case, only one other complainant has sought formal redress.
“Like Jason, he felt it was sexual discrimination and wanted access for men. And when I said, ‘well, men can’t come in’, he said ‘then why should I have to pay the same amount if I don’t get to experience the artwork?’ And I said, ‘you do experience the artwork, because the rejection is the artwork’. And he understood that and he appreciated it and he dropped the case.”
The one understood that his discomfort with it was the point, and something women have experienced throughout their lives, and was willing to listen and learn. And the other, still suing, still feels entitled to women’s spaces. Because of course. Lots of men like that.
I’m curious how this will play out, even though I’m not from your country :p This whole article just felt really good in a lot of ways.
