Group Presentation on the Guerilla Girls
In their second project, none of the three groups chose to take advantage of the possibility of writing a web page for their projects. I think in part this must have been because of the work that would've been involved in making a hypertext review of a site; it probably also isn't insignificant that the projects were due towards the end of the semester when students were becoming very busy. This review of the Guerrilla Girls site would have made an excellent hypertext presentation; as it stands, though, the second group project papers demonstrated a significant improvement in the quality of the students' ability to analyze a text. These analyses, as compared to those written for the first projects, are much richer and more nuanced. Most of these projects also demonstrated a much more cohesive sense of group work—these students clearly spent time working together on the entire analysis. In the first projects, true collaboration as opposed to a straightforward division of labor was the rule, but that trend was reversed in the later projects.
Guerilla Girls
Group One: Deborah Cremeans, BobbiDawn LeGrand, Debra McCarter, Tawanna Riley, Jilda Sharp, and Candy Trull.
Scope of the analysis
We will attempt to provide an analysis of the web site “Guerilla Girls”,
which is found at http://www.guerillagirls.com 
.
We will be directing our analysis to three areas: (1) composition of the
website, including our initial reaction to the website, (2) visual images
and perceived images they portrayed, and (3) how does the group, and the
website, fit into mainstream America.
Analysis, Composition and Initial Reaction
The purpose of the website appears to be to clarify who the Guerilla
Girls are, not to introduce them for the first time. They assume
that we have all heard of them and seen their demonstrations, though probably
many have not, but they want to get their message out to as many people
as possible. They not only have an eye on changing sexism and racism
in the art world, but in politics and the corporate world as well.
They recognize that racism and sexism have a ripple effect on other areas
beyond the art world and therefore wish to stamp it out by making it more
noticeable to all. Perhaps some have never taken stock of just whose
art gets displayed or whose play gets produced; this website makes that
abundantly clear. It also helps to impress the visitor with its tongue-in-cheek
profundity.
Women are portrayed on this site as strong, as opinionated, as anonymous. They are all women; the Guerilla Girls, with their masks and their "stage" names. The women are fearless, never afraid to speak the truth or to air taboos. The Guerilla Girl is independent and strong and not afraid to poke fun at either themselves or the ridiculousness of the establishment. They are also not afraid of criticism as evidenced in the Love/Hate Mail section. They nod to the kudos, and reflect on the “boos”. They are strong women with strong ideals and beliefs about who they are and what they want their world to see in them and what they want to see in their world.
The title of the group itself is catchy as well as interesting, and one would be remiss in finding a better name for the group as it explains both their message and their purpose. It seems uncanny that such a powerful message can be sent through two small words. The group’s name sends the message loud and clear: they are a powerful group of women who is different from the norm, albeit unstoppable.
The site is simple, yet effective. The most striking feature is the opening picture. The use of the work "fE-mail" tells me that this is a site that supports feminism; an interesting alternative to use the term e-mail. Everything is easy to locate but they could have provide more intensive information about themselves and what they have accomplished.
Imaging
In today’s society, image is everything—and the Guerilla Girls certainly
have taken advantage of the system. Their image is an extremely effective
tool: the arm outstretched, showing a tight muscle, with a bracelet around
the wrist. The bracelet lets the public know that there is a woman
behind the mask. The muscle symbolizes the strong power that the
group has. It is important that they point out that they wear the
mask to focus on their issues instead of their personalities. Often
in our society, a person can so easily be persuaded by looks alone.
By wearing the mask they take such stereotypes as this one, and put it
aside. Words cannot adequately explain how POWERFUL these images
on this web site are.
This site throws out all typical representations of women in our society. These women don’t leave us with the “Barbie Doll” image that is so often idolized in today’s society. They wear gorilla masks and call themselves the “Guerilla Girls.” They aren’t easily pushed around, portraying are strong and fearless image. The gorilla mask itself is ugly and scary, and the choice of such an extreme contrast is commended. The irony of their image is not lost on the viewer, as most women today try to be beautiful and spend many hours each day to try and make themselves look as appealing as possible. These aren’t your typical “run of the mill” women.
The pictures and posters are even more interesting. They actually use images that leave mouths hanging open to get their point across. They leave impressions. Such images as “What to do when raped,” are images that are far from lady like. Those are the types of things that go untouched, and are not discussed. Women think it but often don’t say it. They expose the prejudices and injustices on women in such ways so that they get your attention and that the image leaves impressions in your mind.
The ideas of the Guerilla Girls depart totally from most women in today’s culture. They want people to know that there is racism and sexism in the art world and the culture at large. They aren’t the typical image of females, docile and non-aggressive. They let people know how they feel. They speak out about the unfair and unequal treatment of women by speaking to the public directly and displaying signs and posters. They even had the nerve to march to Radio Music Hall to display their disgust in front of millions at the Tony Awards. Some of the images are breath taking. Most people, such as myself, probably don’t realize the factors that they are pointing out. Once they realize it though, it stirs something inside you. Makes you ask questions yourself. They use comedy to get their point across, which is also untypical of women. Mostly you think of men being funny and telling jokes, not women. They are supposed to be more serious and assertive. I think it is important that they express the unfair treatment of women because all too often it goes unnoticed in our society.
The whole site is an alternative view of the subject. This group is totally unique. The manner in which they get their point across to the public is catchy and totally out of the norm. Their posters are different from anything I have ever seen before. It is awesome that they state that by being a Guerilla Girl there are no career gains. “This makes us all equal, gives each of us an equal voice, no matter what our positions may be in the "real" world. “
It also explores alternative views of artists and our society. They make one realize that time and time again men are favored not only in the art world, but also in society as a whole. The ideas the Guerilla Girls are attempting to convey to mainstream America are outside the box. Their use of a “non-identity” is cutting edge (very artsy) and brings immediate attention to their stance: that women routinely face discrimination when museums, etc. display works of art, lack representation, etc. In order to draw attention to their cause, they are using humor to alter their visual image—which in turn stops the audience long enough to get their message across. A major coup in the fight against discrimination.
An Interview with the Guerilla Girls
One of the most interesting components of this section was the fact
that women use the names of deceased famous women who made an impact on
society in their day instead of their own names or some other strange alias.
Some of the names used are Frida Calho, Alma Thomas, Rosalba Carriera,
Emily Carr, and others. This, in itself, goes to show that these
women mean business. Once they take the names of these famous women,
they will have to live up to the name and not chance the de-facing or compromising
of the reputation associated with the particular name.
Another interesting point was the explanation of the use of ‘girls’ instead of ‘women.’ While most feminists would consider the word ‘girl’ offensive, the Guerrilla Girls embrace as a show of their power. They are using it themselves so that it cannot be used against them. These women are not close-minded, male-hating women that strong feminists are usually associated as being. After anyone reads this interview with the Guerrilla Girls, they will see a totally different kind of feminist group. They are a powerful group of women who hold this image, and not by the means of solely picketing and protesting, but by the wonderful means of information
Links
One small drawback to the website would be the lack of links.
Links on the website seem limited, with only a small nod given to places
where someone could purchase one of their material. Perhaps the group
would be better served to include more links, not only to groups that support
this subject and their activity, but also to sites that share in their
philosophy. The website, and its links, should serve as a source
for information which is a key element in the education of the masses.
Conclusion
After viewing and analyzing the Guerilla Girls website, one has the
distinct impression that an “anonymous” war is being raged against the
discrimination of women artists. The mode of battle is anonymity,
and the Guerilla Girls are able to draw attention to the fight, not themselves.
The Guerilla Girls are able to infuse humor with reality, information with
shtick, in order to educate the public.