Feminist artists, writers rage in San Francisco exhibit
These artists and writers are angry.
Mad about misogyny, discrimination, racial injustices, police brutality and a host of other civil rights issues, from threats to reproductive choice to the separation of families at the border.
Together, their anger forms “F213,” a Northern California Women’s Caucus for Art exhibition of images and words in San Francisco that runs through next week. The title is short for Fahrenheit 213, one degree above the boiling point of blood.
“While we remain hopeful, we reject ‘thoughts and prayers’ as adequate responses to the corruption, cruelty and discrimination we now experience daily in the U.S.,” professor Tanya Augsburg said in a description of the show. “Women, in particular, are past the boiling point and wish to make their voices heard. Artistic expression is our way forward toward social justice.”
The San Francisco State University educator led the curation team that pulled together a multicultural, multigenerational selection of 40 artists from around the Bay Area and the nation — and paired them with 40 writers whose words illuminate the works.
Drawing parallels between the early 1940s and today, El Granada artist Judy Shintani used wood from the Tule Lake camp, where her family was interned, to create her flag sculpture, “Pledge Allegiance.” Writings by Emily Sano complement the art.
Karen Gutfreund, a Saratoga artist, examined the anguish of migrant mothers in “Suffer the Children,” with commentary by Sally Edelstein.
Justyne Fischer’s woodblock print, “Suspicious Suicide,” addresses the 2015 hanging death of Sandra Bland in a Texas jail cell.
Those works, and 37 others, are on view through May 11 at the Arc Gallery.
Special events include a writers’ evening at 6:30 p.m. today that will include artist Sheila Pree Bright’s film and book, “#1960Now: Photographs of Civil Rights Activists and Black Lives Matter Protests”; and a panel discussion and closing reception at 1 p.m. May 11.
In addition to the special events, the “F213” exhibit is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays at the Arc, 1246 Folsom St. Admission is free.
More information is at www.ncwca.org.