Guerrilla Girls: Four Decades of Fearless Art Activism
Since their founding in 1985, the Guerrilla Girls have revolutionized art world criticism through their signature blend of statistical analysis, humor, and unapologetic confrontation of institutional discrimination.
Wearing iconic gorilla masks to protect their identities, these anonymous feminist artists have systematically exposed gender and racial inequities in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions worldwide. Their early landmark poster, 'Do Women Have to be Naked to Get Into the Met. Museum?', revealed that while 85% of nude artworks featured female subjects, less than 5% of artists in the Modern Art sections were women.
- Created over 100 provocative posters and interventions
- Consistently used data and humor as primary activist tools
- Expanded critique beyond gender to intersectional representation
Their ongoing work continues to challenge the art establishment, pushing for meaningful representation and systemic change. Recent projects have highlighted disparities in museum collections, artist representation, and institutional leadership, demonstrating their enduring relevance in contemporary cultural discourse.
As they approach their 40th anniversary, the Guerrilla Girls remain a powerful reminder that art can be a potent vehicle for social critique and transformation.
