WACK! at PS1

WACK! is a survey of landmark 60's and 70's feminist art that was recently on view at MOMA's PS1 in Long Island City.  It was a large show made up of many examples artwork that coincided with what is often termed the "first wave" of feminism. The decision to present this work in a large survey format is interesting and there are a number ways to interpret the significance of this decision in light of the developments in feminism over the last four decades.  Personally I think it's important to recognize and acknowledge how revolutionary much of this art was during its time.  Although much of the work seems overly direct compared to feminist art made today - and I am not sure that there are many artists working today that explicitly call themselves "feminist artists" - it forces one to re-examine the idea of art with truly revolutionary goals.  Where is that type of art today?  Have we completely lost the ability to make overtly political works of art?  Certainly many would say yes, or at least that feminist issues are more difficult to identify and combat these days.  Many artists have abandoned the critical-oppositional stance in favor of one that does not pretend to operate outside the systems of oppression that they critique.  Think of the paintings of Lisa Yuskavage, for instance. In any case, it is refreshing to see such direct work today and it reminds me of the importance in acknowledging the powerful political voice that is available to art at certain times in history.