Feminist art seeks to abolish stereotypes, influence societal standards, and incite change toward equality. Kaviar Gallery is hosting an invitational show of artwork celebrating recipients of the Kentucky Foundation for Women Artist Enrichment Grants. The Artist Enrichment grant provides opportunities for feminist artists and arts organizations to further their artistic development to create art for positive social change. “Feminist Expressions” features 18 artists from throughout Kentucky working in a variety of media.

An early champion for feminist art, Lucy R. Lippard stated in 1980: feminist art is “neither a style nor a movement but instead a value system, a revolutionary strategy, a way of life." In keeping with that sentiment, “Feminist Expressions” offers a wide variety of artwork that is playful, political, celebratory, reverent, irreverent, inspiring, satirical, and challenging. Through an awareness of intersectionality and focus on the region, Whitney Withington hand-crafted a series of journals donning found photographs reflecting the lives of African American women and their families in Appalachia. Dijana Muminovic is exhibiting a stunning photograph titled, “Bosnian Muslims in Bowling Green, KY.” Having survived the Bosnian War (1992-1995), Muminovic was inspired to tell the stories of other Bosnian women and their search for separated loved ones. Diane Kahlo is showing a series of portraits accompanied by an altar adorned with sequined skulls and ceramic roses to pay homage to the disappeared/murdered young women of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Through this thoughtful memorial, Kahlo gives a voice and dignity to those who have lost their lives to femicide.

Historically, some feminist artists embraced materials connected to the idea of “women's work,” and transformed the way we view these art forms through conceptually-charged art. Jennifer Hart is doing just that through her series of quilted works, “Black & White #3” and “Black & White #5.” In response to pornography, Hart seeks to re-humanize the dehumanized nude female body. Lori Larusso explores traditional domestic practice and everyday activism; Her whimsical painting, “Eating Animals: Green Grapes Porcupine,” addresses our society's disconnect with the origins of our food and animal abuse.

In addition to artists embracing art forms once connected to women, others are pushing through male-dominated fields. Astrophotographer, Kelly Davenport, creates starscapes – landscapes showcasing the beauty of the night sky. In doing so, Davenport educates others on ways to reduce light pollution to preserve our night skies for generations to come. Printmaker, Joanne Price, raises awareness about the importance of insects and environmentally conscious gardening practices. As feminist social change artists, these 18 women lead by example and inspire others to pursue their dreams and advocate for their beliefs.

“Feminist Expressions” will run November 30, 2018 – January 19, 2019. The Opening Reception will be held at Kaviar Gallery, November 30, 6-8PM during the F.A.T Friday Trolley Hop.

Exhibiting Artists:
Alana Yon | Bowling Green, KY
Anne Leader | Georgetown, KY
Ariel Lavery | Murray, KY
Carrie Billett | Benham, KY
Debra Lott | Louisville, KY
Diane Kahlo | Winchester, KY
Dijana Muminovic | Rockfield, KY
Jennifer Hart | Lexington, KY
Joanne Price | Bagdad, KY
Kelly Davenport | Louisville, KY
Leslie Anglin | Louisville, KY
Lori Larusso | Louisville, KY
Nicole Hand | Almo, KY
Philis Alvic | Lexington, KY
Sarah Jane Sanders Webb | Frankfort, KY
Skylar Smith | Louisville, KY
Stacey Frett | Owensboro, KY
Whitney Withington | Big Hill, KY

WHAT: “Feminist Expressions"
WHERE: Kaviar Forge & Gallery
WHEN: Opening Reception, November 30th, 6:00 - 8:00PM
ON VIEW: November 30 2018 - January 19, 2019
​Gallery Hours: Thursday & Friday 12-6, Saturday 12-4
craigkaviargallery.com/current-exhibition