The Barbican Art Gallery in London has unveiled a groundbreaking exhibition that delves into the intricate connection between gender and ecology. Titled “Re/Sisters: A Lens on Gender and Ecology,” this thought-provoking display features the work of nearly 50 women and gender non-conforming artists hailing from various corners of the globe. Through mediums such as film, photography, performance art, and more, these artists envision a future characterized by environmental and social justice.
At its core, “Re/Sisters” aims to shed light on the undeniable intersection of environmental degradation and the oppression of women. The exhibition challenges the disproportionate harm inflicted on women by extractive capitalism. Shanay Jhaveri, the Barbican’s head of visual arts, states, “We hope that in contrast to a rhetoric that is often cynical about environmentalism, it offers visitors a thoughtful, optimistic, and sometimes joyful way to consider the world’s current climate.”
“Re/Sisters” is organized into several themed sections, each addressing a different facet of the gender-environment relationship. These sections encompass topics like the politics of extraction, acts of protest and resistance, the labor of ecological care, environmental racism, and the exploration of queerness and fluidity in the face of societal hierarchies.
Curator Alona Pardo explains, “This is really a show that is shining a light on the nefarious activities that go hand-in-hand with gender-based violence and nature-based violence, and how we begin to bring these two constituent struggles together. It becomes much more meaningful for all of us—we can all feel a part of that struggle and part of the resistance.”
Ecofeminism, which emerged in the 1970s, serves as the philosophical foundation of “Re/Sisters.” It challenged the notion that men were culturally superior to women by identifying men with culture and women with nature. Carolyn Merchant, an environmental historian, emphasized that women were instrumental in saving the Earth from destruction.
Despite its historical significance, ecofeminism faced criticism for being too essentialist and for neglecting the contributions of Indigenous women and women of color in climate activism. However, “Re/Sisters” aims to revitalize ecofeminism as a radical, intersectional, and decolonial movement that welcomes gender non-conforming artists and strives for inclusivity.
The exhibition evokes a sense of haunting and intensity, according to Ben Luke of the Evening Standard. Works by artists like Simryn Gill depict plastic pollution in lakes and dams as “lacerations on the face of the earth.” Dionne Lee’s collage work confronts the legacy of slavery in landscapes, offering a poignant commentary on history’s scars.
“Re/Sisters” also features protest photographs from the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp, performance art by Ana Mendieta, and an experimental film by Anne Duk Hee Jordan exploring the sexuality of aquatic life.
“Re/Sisters: A Lens on Gender and Ecology” is on display at the Barbican Art Gallery until January 14, 2024. By showcasing the art and perspectives of women, gender non-conforming individuals, and Indigenous communities, the exhibition encourages us to rethink the connection between gender and ecology, ultimately inspiring a more just and sustainable future for all.
