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RBL GRL | Revolution Doesn’t Ask Permission

The Historic Thomas Center Galleries 

February 7, 2020 - June 25, 2020

 

This exhibition presents the work of 19 artists who challenge limitations, assumptions and the status quo.

The landmark exhibition honors the 72-year battle for women’s right to vote and the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting it.

Suffrage for women was not realized through polite request, but by a revolution of protest and civil disobedience. The suffragettes were demanding, disruptive, law-breaking rebels. They sacrificed and suffered. They were arrested, force-fed and beaten. Yet, it was their persistence and courage that pushed rights for women forward.

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(The 19th Amendment did not fully enfranchise African American, Asian American, Hispanic American or Native American women.)Likewise, the artists of RBL GRL break ground, break rules, ask questions and defy the gravity of certitude. 

 

In a nod to the rebels of yesterday, RBL GRL | Revolution Doesn’t Ask Permission salutes the artist rebels of today. 

 

The title of RBL GRL is an ode to the 1993 tune, “Rebel Girl,” by Bikini Kill, one of the punk rock bands of the “riot grrrl” movement that “kick down norms to make space for new ideas.” [NPR Music critic, Ann Powers]

 

Featured artists:
Carrie Ann Baade, Desserae Bassil, Jillian Marie Browning, Angela DeCarlis, Lorelei Esser, Karen Glaser, Valerie Goodwin, Lisa Iglesias, Kylee Jo, GV Kelley, Ellen Knudson, Ye Ma, Emily Martin, Nico Mazza, Julia Morrisroe, Sandra Ramos, Marina Sachs, Ashley Taylor, and Madeleine Wagner.