Magazine
07 march 2024, Flor Linckens
A symphony of voices in Rademakers Gallery
She Knows, Rademakers Gallery. Photo: Ilco Kemmere
Until 27 April, Rademakers Gallery presents a group exhibition in their new space in Amsterdam (Weesp), in which attention is given to the voices of women artists, artists from LGBTQAI+ communities, and male artists. The exhibition 'She Knows' celebrates the diversity of their voices and their statements on topics such as empowerment and inclusion.
The works in this exhibition are presented in a salon-style arrangement, that is reminiscent of the period that preceded the 20th century. This historical salon setup was, in some respects, more democratic than what we now know as the white cube presentation. Works were displayed from floor to ceiling, allowing for a great multitude and diversity of works on display. However, it was precisely this latter aspect that presented a limitation: access to these salons was severely restricted by gatekeepers, male jurors who predominantly favoured the work of male artists — not least because women were often excluded from formal art education. As a response, Rademakers Gallery offers an inclusive version of the salon presentation that is more befitting of the 21st century.
She Knows, Rademakers Gallery
The exhibition prominently features works made from materials such as ceramics and textiles, which have long been undervalued for the same reason: their association with women's labour. Consider for example the unique and sustainable wall pieces from fishing rope by Joana Schneider [read more about her work here and here], the ceramic furniture and design pieces by Mickey Philips, the activist tapestries by Yamuna Forzani, and the powerful representations of naked bodies in the textile work of Julia Kiryanova.
She Knows, Rademakers Gallery
For years, Rademakers Gallery has been especially committed to supporting women artists. Recent research by Women Inc. reveals that still only 20% of exhibited artworks are created by women, and when you take intersectionality in account in those figures, queer women and women of colour are even more underrepresented within that 20%. But the exhibition 'She Knows' showcases not only the work of women and individuals from queer communities, but also work that was made by men. Pien Rademakers adds, "While we proudly feature exceptional male artists, our mission is clear: to actively champion equality and inclusivity."
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