Since the 1970s, Judy Chicago (American, born 1939) has been a pioneer in the development of feminist art. Her most influential work is the sweeping installation The Dinner Party (1974–79), a celebration of women's achievements in the form of a meticulously executed banquet table. Places are set for 39 mythical and historical women, and the work honors an additional 999 women by inscribing their names in gold. One of the most important artworks of the twentieth century, The Dinner Party immediately became an icon of feminist art upon its public debut in 1979, as well as a flashpoint for dialogue and controversy.
Catherine Morris is the Sackler Senior Curator for the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art at the Brooklyn Museum. In this episode, she delves into the history of Chicago's work on The Dinner Party, its reception at the time it was created, and the conversations the installation continues to open up for new audiences.
This episode is part of The Dinner Party Today, a series by the Brooklyn Museum in which artists, writers, and thinkers reflect on the artwork's legacy and the women it represents.
Read more about The Dinner Party, and visit www.brooklynmuseum.org for tickets to see the work in person. This project was produced by Seaplane Armada and the Brooklyn Museum.
