Monmouth University is pleased to announce the opening of the Beyond #MeToo juried exhibition, which features artwork that suggests ways for society to progress past the #MeToo movement and ultimately excise the malady for future generations. The exhibit will be on display in the Pollak Gallery from January 22 through April 30.
The exhibition features over 30 artists including several NJ artists, as well as artists from across the United States and abroad that were selected from over 375 submissions. The call for entries asked artists to submit work that eloquently depict remedies that teach us how to honor women and others who have been maligned and implement change within our culture. The artists of Beyond #MeToo demonstrate the bravery of the victims, the poise of the activists, the process of recovery from past injustices, and what progress should spring from the #MeToo movement.
Dr. Lisa Dinella, Director of the Gender Studies program at Monmouth University and juror for the exhibition, explains, “Violence and discrimination against women has been accepted for far too long. The #MeToo movement was started over a decade ago by Tarana Burke, an activist who was speaking up for women of color. It has recently reached a fever pitch, with many demanding a society free of sexual harassment and assault. Today, we need to decide how we are going to restructure our society to be free of injustice. This exhibit is a crucial step in starting the dialogue about how we can all contribute to the healing and rebuilding process.”
Vaune Peck, Director of the Center for the Arts at Monmouth, sees the Beyond #MeToo exhibition and its submissions as reflecting the hesitant footsteps of activists and society alike in answering the question of “What comes next?” Many of the submissions seemed uncertain in their answer to the question, and given that the movement has treaded into political waters, reception of #MeToo has become laced with hostility and controversy, altering the landscape of discussing sexual harassment and abuse.
The exhibition, co-sponsored by the Gender Studies Program, powerfully expresses the frustration and determination that continues to radiate throughout the #MeToo movement and its talented artists are a testament to how art can create and propagate social action, even in the face of uncertainty. Beyond #MeToo is on display through April 30 in the Pollak Gallery. The exhibit is free and open to the public. There will be an opening reception on Friday, February 1 from 6– 8pm.
The Center for the Arts and The Gender Studies Program will also be cohosting a special presentation of Post Secret Live with Frank Warren specifically to the #MeToo movement on March 26 in the Pollak Theatre. More information about both of these events can be found on the Center’s website at monmouth.edu/mca or by calling 732.263.5715.
