During the final presidential debate in October 2016, then-candidate Donald Trump called former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton a “nasty woman.” At the time, Twitter took the phrase and ran with it. Today, the term has been co-opted by female and male Trump opponents alike as a moniker to be worn with pride.
In what has become a nationwide movement under the nasty woman banner, Oklahoma City’s Current Studio will open its own Nasty Women exhibit. Featuring 116 works by 76 artists from across the country and beyond, the exhibit will open to the public at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 22.
What makes a woman ‘nasty’?
According to a press release from Current Studio’s artist-curators Kelsey Karper and romy owens, to identify as a “nasty woman” is to identify as a champion of “women’s rights, individual rights and health care access for women.”
In turn, Current Studio’s art show “demonstrates solidarity among artists who identify with being a Nasty Woman,” according to the release.
“Within our immediate community, I know there are many artists who are concerned about issues that directly impact women,” stated romy owens, co-founder of Current Studio, in the emailed release. “I am glad we can acknowledge these issues, bring forth a community conversation, and consider ways in which art responds to politics.”
Political art as fundraising effort
Current Studio’s show will coincide with more than 40 similar exhibits opening around the country and beyond, each of which seeks to support organizations that defend women’s rights and provide a platform for organization and resistance.
In the case of Current Studio’s Nasty Women show, proceeds will benefit OKC Artists for Justice.
Receptions for Nasty Women
Although the exhibit will be available for viewing during free gallery hours from noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, the following receptions offer additional events and amenities:
- Opening reception, 6 p.m. June 22, featuring performances, an art market and a cash bar provided by Picasso Cafe
- Current Thursday, 6 p.m. July 13, featuring food from The Wedge Pizzeria and tarot readings from Shawn Pilgrim
- Closing reception & Sunday Soup, 6 p.m. July 30, featuring soup provided by Elemental Coffee ($10 suggested donation)
For more information, visit Current Studio online.
