Israeli Artists Urge Judy Chicago to Withdraw Tel Aviv Exhibition

A group of over 50 artists and performers have publicly urged Judy Chicago to retract her ongoing exhibition at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, citing concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza, which were recently classified as genocide by a United Nations committee.

The letter articulates a firm stance, stating, “Presenting art that addresses social justice issues in a country currently engaged in genocide enables that country to project an image of progressiveness while using your art and reputation to obscure its crimes,” as detailed in a review by Hyperallergic.

Notably, many signatories of the letter hail from Israel itself. These include prominent figures such as video artist Guy Ben-Ner, photographer Eldad Rafaeli, painter Yoram Kupermintz, and anti-war activist and composer Ilan Volkov, who has been recently arrested for protesting against the conflict near Gaza.

The exhibition, titled Judy Chicago: What If Women Ruled the World?, launched at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art on September 18 and will be on display until December 27. Comprised of a collaborative quilt featuring reflections from women worldwide, the piece was co-created by Chicago and Nadya Tolokonnikova, a founding member of the punk feminist group Pussy Riot. The letter in question, however, is directed at both artists. In correspondence with Hyperallergic, Tolokonnikova expressed her disapproval about the exhibition’s location, stating that while she initially collaborated on the project, she has no control over its presentation at the museum.

“I concur with the artists calling for the quilt’s withdrawal from the Tel Aviv Museum,” Tolokonnikova noted, confirming she has not had recent communication with the institution regarding the exhibition.

Chicago’s representative declined to provide comment on the situation.

Artist Guy Ben-Ner explained his rationale for signing the letter, asserting that he believes boycotting Israeli institutions is the only viable path forward to halt the violence in Gaza. “I’ve always had a complex relationship with boycotts,” he remarked. “I find no joy in this action, but to safeguard Gaza — and Israel from its own choices — we must isolate it through boycott.”

The collaborative quilt, a result of Chicago and Tolokonnikova’s efforts in 2022, invites women globally to respond to prompts about their vision for a world led by women, probing questions like “Would there be private property?” and “Would there be violence?” Chicago subsequently brought these responses to physical life. The quilt has previously been exhibited at the New Museum and featured in a Planned Parenthood event in Manhattan, honoring well-known rapper Megan Thee Stallion.

A representative from the Tel Aviv Museum clarified to Hyperallergic that the quilt was loaned by DMINTI, a New York-based arts technology firm, and not directly from the artists involved. The details of this loan arrangement remain unclear, as DMINTI has not responded to inquiries.

In response to the calls for a cultural boycott, Tania Coen-Uzzielli, Director of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, emphasized that the institution shares the distress regarding the situation in Gaza. “We too are appalled by the destruction and suffering occurring in Gaza, and we utilize our platform to advocate for the cessation of violence while bringing awareness to its consequences,” Coen-Uzzielli stated. She argued that canceling the exhibition would not demonstrate solidarity but instead embody surrender, thereby reinforcing existing structures of power and silence. She noted that the museum is led by women and has continually championed female artists from diverse backgrounds, including Palestinian creators.

Pussy Riot’s Tolokonnikova, originally from Russia and currently living in exile, has confronted persecution for her longstanding activism against authoritarian regimes. Having served two years in a Russian prison for a controversial punk performance, she was arrested in absentia in 2023 and now resides in undisclosed locations.

A pillar of contemporary feminist art, Judy Chicago gained acclaim for her iconic installation The Dinner Party (1974–79), which features 39 vulvar placemats honoring historical women, and is currently exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum. Chicago pioneered the Feminist Art Program in 1970 at Fresno State College, later expanding it to the California Institute of the Arts. Despite her acclaim, she has faced criticism for promoting an exclusionary version of feminism that does not encompass all female perspectives.

The authors of the recent letter implore both Chicago and Tolokonnikova to reflect on the voices of women who have perished in Gaza, including noted artists Heba Zagout and Amna Al-Salmi. They express their belief that Israel’s actions stand in stark opposition to the broader vision that both artists advocate for through their work, urging them not to allow their reputations to inadvertently support these actions.