Reassembling for International Women’s Day

On Sunday 8 March it’s International Women’s Day with the theme this year, ‘Make it Happen,’ so that’s exactly what two Riverina artists decided to do. 

Julie Montgarrett, Lecturer in Creative Arts and Design at Charles Sturt University and Sarah McEwan, Creative Producer from The Cad Factory are co-curating an exhibition called RE//ASSEMBLING at the HR Gallop Gallery at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga to mark the 40th anniversary of the United Nations declaring March 8 International Women’s Day.

The exhibition will feature 21 female artists spanning from Leeton and Narrandera in the Western Riverina to Temora, Coolamon, Uranquinty and Wagga Wagga in the Eastern Riverina. The exhibition provides a snapshot of the practices and conceptual concerns of female artists residing within these locations.

The diversity of the artists is almost as vast as their ages, ranging from artists who have just finished high school to a number of women over 60 with decades of experience. The exhibition will feature weaving, installation, video, photography, painting, sculpture and printmaking.

Sarah McEwan says, “Current conversations in feminism highlight the importance of intergenerational gatherings of women. The points of difference from generation to generation are to be listened to and discussed so we can understand the complexity of women having equal participation in all aspects of life.”

Julie Montgarrett says, “Looking back over 40 years of International Women’s Day celebrations, it is heartening to see how much has changed – and equally frustrating to recognise how much is still to be debated and resolved. While the F-word is part of common parlance, it retains problematic and often ambiguous meanings for women of all ages, who use it with both derision and with pride. Perhaps, despite the passing of 40 years, the one constant, common thread is that for all women, the Women’s Liberation maxim of the 1960’s and 70’s remains true – the personal is political.”

The exhibition runs from 6 - 25 March with a special opening celebration on Sunday 8 March from 2pm - 4pm with Jan Roberts OAM, pioneering Wagga women’s health advocate, as the special guest speaker. All are welcome to come along to the opening and exhibition to see what kind of work female artists in the region are making and to show support for the equality of women.

Shown is Melanie Evans' textile work. Image supplied.