Then She Did at The Plaxall Gallery

Allison Sommers, photo courtesy of the artist

The mixed media exhibition “Then She Did” at Plaxall aims to speak instead of shout, invite discussion instead of criticism. It presents diverse approaches on sexuality, strength, femininity, independence, support, societal norms and roles, methodology, art, and activism. Curators Lori Zimmer and Melissa McCaig-Welles say that the featured artists Alexandra Momin, Alice Mizrachi, Alison Mosshart, Allison Sommers, Audrey Dimola, Caitlin Harris, Chinon Maria, Elizabeth Winnel, Indie 184, Janette Beckman, Joanne Leah, Karen Dimit, Kathryn Rose, Katrina del Mar, Kendra Heisler, Lady Pink, Marne Lucas, Paola Martinez, Queen Andrea, Rebecca Reeve, Swoon, Vahge and Vicky Barranguet choose who they want to be, how they want to think, and how they want to influence others. They take us on a journey through the personal revolutions of everyday women in America, whose diverse methods and beliefs are only stronger when unified.

Janette Beckman, photo courtesy of the artist

The curators explain that the premise for this show derives from our tumultuous political climate – incessant attacks over doing too much or not enough, speaking or not speaking, forgetting to include a group or an issue, including too many groups or issues. Our catalyst for change has become sidetracked – being right has taken precedence over working toward what is right. “This distraction of in-fighting does not get us anywhere, stalls progress, and creates enemies of allies,” says Zimmer.

Overall “Then She Did” creates a space full of words, images and objects, telling stories about ordinary women and their voices. It is a narrative, a reflection, a moment, a change, a movement forward.