Artists Are Protesting the Gender Pay Gap Through Billboards Across America
The public exhibition is curated by Nadya Tolokonnikova and presented by SaveArtSpace.
Pussy Riot co-founder Nadya Tolokonnikova recently launched a crypto organization to raise funds for Ukraine. To follow, the artist-activist is working with SaveArtSpace on an billboard art show, titled “PATRIARCHY R.I.P.”
Curated by Tolokonnikova, the public exhibition will present 10 works by female and LGBTQ+ artists on billboard ad spaces across nine states in the US. According to SaveArtSpace, “art by women sells for 50% less than works by men.” The organization sought to protest this gender pay gap by holding an open call for work by female and LGBTQ+ artists which will be displayed in mostly conservative states, where Tolokonnikova believes they “need inspiration and solidarity the most.”
The billboards will coincide with Tolokonnikova’s NFT artwork, PATRIARCHY R.I.P., which is inspired by the idea that the alternate reality offered by the metaverse has effectively dismantled the patriarchy of the art industry. “For Pussy Riot it’s always been a priority to do our statements in a manner that everyone can hear. Bringing our art to the streets and making it available for people who do not have time to go to museums,” said the artist.
Tolokonnikova’s billboard is on view in Venice, CA, whereas the other artwork will go on display in New York, Tennessee, Nevada, Missouri, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana and Alabama. “PATRIARCHY R.I.P.” will be on view until April 3. See the full list of exhibiting artists below.
Elsewhere in art, Facebook’s “On The Map” spotlights Detroit’s Black arts scene.
Exhibiting Artists
Michele Pred
Autumn Breon
Michele Pred
REKA NYARI
Fatimazohra Serri
Van Velden Studio
Aminta Paiz
EllaSuper
Niohuru X
Jess Whittam
Holly Silius
