Recent statistics show that gender inequality in the art world is still happening. In fact, it is more around us than people realize. Women in art and design remain undervalued and underrepresented in auction houses, galleries, and museums.
Counting the problems won’t show us how to fix gender inequality. But, it can help us understand the scope of the issue. If you are doing a college paper on gender inequality, then this is a great topic to cover. It seems that our society has yet to learn from history. Here is why.
Gender Inequality in the Art World – Is It That Big of a Deal?
Artistic projects from female artists comprise only a fraction of the permanent European and American art collection. Based on an analysis from 18 major American art museums, 87% of their collection came from male artists.
Only two works by female artists have reached the top 100 auction sales. Even though women are a subject matter for almost 50% of the top 25. If you take a look at any history book and focus on gender roles education, you will notice that women are no strangers to such problems.
As a matter of fact, for many men in the past, “women equals problems”. Until the 1870s, females were banned from receiving artistic training or working as an artist. This is something you can write about in your college essays. If you don’t know where to start, you can use free essay samples on gender roles at https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/gender-roles/. They can be a solid starting point. Reading other people’s essays can help you get a better perspective and write a great college paper.
Reading an essay can also satisfy your itch for learning more about gender inequality. With that in mind, there is a different problem. Untangling the impact left from our history has made it very difficult for women to thrive in today’s art world. Thus, this kind of inequality still exists.
The Different Representations
According to 2019 analytics, there is a 47.6% discount for art from female artists at an auction. Female artists are viewed as professionals with a “lack of assertiveness”. That can be seen through the cultural biases of art interpretation. Like the sexism of aging and the imbalanced weight of parenthood.
But, there is more. Even though female artists earn 71% of art degrees in Australia, just 33.9% of women are featured in museums and state-run galleries. That’s 3% less than in 2016. Experts believe in art institutions, these inequalities go beyond the gallery and move to the office.
Exactly 61% of professional art museum employees in 2018 were female. However, the lack of diversity in leadership positions still remains. In most cases, the interns and staff are female, but the directors are male.
Changing the Status Quo
Many artists have been fighting gender design to put an end to gender inequality in the art world. But, to know how to fix gender inequality, it is a good idea to look at their example. Groups such as the Guerilla Girls have been working for decades to get more women artists into museums. Either through acquisitions or putting their work on display.
Their inspiration to spread the message is not arbitrary, but a need to address a more international problem. Sometimes, these efforts can tip the scales. Yet despite all these obstacles, female artists continue to demonstrate their perseverance and resilience.
They inspire people through their creative works. But, the rise in young artists shows the importance of the need to change our society. If we are able to get beyond these obstacles, we can glimpse into a better future for all artists.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to fixing gender inequality in the art world, there is a lot of work to be done. Artists should keep challenging the system and strive to show their work to the world. With advocacy, inspiration, and unwavering determination, they can keep progressing beyond the current situation.
