The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein: Episode Summary Episode Title: Judy Chicago: Revelations
Release Date: October 30, 2024
Host: Dan Rubinstein
Guest: Judy Chicago

1. Introduction to Judy Chicago and Her Work

Dan Rubinstein opens the episode by introducing Judy Chicago, a pioneering American artist renowned for her contributions to feminist art. Born Judith Sylvia Cohen in 1939, Chicago has been instrumental in advancing feminist narratives through various mediums such as paintings, sculptures, installations, textiles, and photography. Her most acclaimed work, The Dinner Party, is a ceremonial banquet featuring a triangular table with 39 place settings, each honoring an important woman from history.

Chicago's recent resurgence in the art world is highlighted, mentioning major exhibitions at prestigious venues like New York's New Museum, London's Serpentine Gallery, and France's Louvre Arles. Her new book, Revelations, an illuminated manuscript originally penned in the 1970s, accompanies her latest exhibition at the Serpentine. This book delves into her reinterpretation of creation myths, the overlooked stories of women like Sacagawea, and visions of a just and equitable world.

2. Exploring 'Revelations': A New Genesis

[Judy Chicago, 00:00-09:10]
Chicago begins by reading from her book Revelations, presenting a reimagined Genesis myth from a feminist perspective. She describes the universe's creation as a process rooted in struggle and collaboration rather than the traditional patriarchal narrative. The Earth emerges as a primeval goddess, embodying life and fertility, culminating in the birth of woman, who is portrayed as central to creation and endowed with the universe's power.

3. Challenging Traditional Myths and Women's Roles

[Dan Rubinstein, 09:10-10:39]
Dan inquires about Chicago's motivations for rewriting the Genesis story. Chicago responds by critiquing the patriarchal myth that a male deity solely created man, arguing that it undermines the true essence of birth and women's roles in creation. She emphasizes her lifelong mission to uncover and reveal the truths obscured by patriarchal narratives.

4. The Erasure of Women's History and the Birth of Feminist Art

[Judy Chicago, 10:53-36:18]
Chicago delves into her personal history, discussing her upbringing in a secular, politically active household influenced by her Marxist father, who championed justice and equality. Her journey into feminist art was sparked by witnessing the systematic erasure of women's contributions in Western civilization. She recounts her experiences at UCLA, where gender discrimination was rampant, fueling her determination to highlight women's achievements.

Chicago explains that The Dinner Party was her response to this erasure, selecting 39 women to represent various streams of women's history. She details the extensive research involved in uncovering the stories of women like Carolyn Herschel, whose contributions were often overshadowed by their male counterparts. This project not only showcased women's history but also educated millions globally, solidifying her legacy in feminist art.

5. The Untold Stories of Indigenous Women: Sacagawea's Legacy

[Judy Chicago, 26:37-36:26]
A significant portion of Revelations focuses on the often-overlooked narratives of Indigenous women, exemplified by Sacagawea. Chicago narrates Sacagawea's crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition, highlighting her skills as an interpreter, guide, and nurturer. Despite her contributions, Sacagawea's legacy was nearly erased until recent recognitions like her statue and a commemorative dollar coin.

Chicago underscores the broader atrocities faced by Indigenous women during colonial expansion, including rape, enslavement, and systemic violence. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these histories to fully understand the scope of women's struggles and resilience.

6. Defining Feminism: Evolution and Modern Implications

[Judy Chicago, 41:55-48:18]
Chicago offers a nuanced definition of feminism, tracing its roots back to Christine de Pizan's The Book of the City of Ladies and the suffrage movements of the 19th century. She critiques the narrow interpretation of feminism as solely gender-focused, advocating for a broader perspective that encompasses values of justice and equity for all, including people of color and non-human entities.

She reflects on the evolution of her feminist ideology, moving from a gender-centric view to one that challenges patriarchal structures across all facets of society. Chicago argues that true feminism is about dismantling hierarchical systems that prioritize white men over others and fostering a collaborative approach to creating a just world.

7. The Crucial Role of Collaboration in Saving the World

[Judy Chicago, 63:02-66:19]
In Revelations, Chicago envisions a future where collaboration, not competition, is the cornerstone of societal progress. She passionately argues that the world was built through cooperation and that enduring change requires collective effort. Chicago expresses concern over contemporary activism, criticizing the lack of historical understanding and organizational commitment among young protesters. She calls for a return to the disciplined, informed activism that characterized past movements, emphasizing the need for solidarity across diverse groups to effect meaningful change.

8. Environmental Justice and Interconnectedness

[Judy Chicago, 69:45-75:55]
Chicago ties feminism to environmental justice, highlighting the interconnectedness of social and ecological issues. She critiques the patriarchal mindset that views the Earth as an object to be exploited, advocating instead for a respectful and symbiotic relationship with the planet. Drawing parallels between the oppression of women and environmental degradation, she underscores the necessity of dismantling hierarchical structures to ensure the planet's survival. Her work on projects like Nuclear Wasted exemplifies her commitment to addressing environmental injustices and promoting sustainable practices.

9. Visions of the Apocalypse and a Hopeful Future

[Judy Chicago, 75:55-76:11]
Chicago shares a vivid excerpt from Revelations, depicting a transformative apocalypse where women unite to restore balance and harmony to the world. This vision portrays women taking a leading role in healing the planet and fostering cooperation among all beings. The narrative culminates in a call for unified action to create a "new heaven and a new earth," emphasizing the power of collective effort and the rejection of patriarchal dominance.

10. Conclusion: Hope, Leadership, and Continuing the Legacy

[Judy Chicago, 76:11-82:46]
In concluding her discussion, Chicago reflects on the evolution of her goals from educating the world about women's history to inspiring hope and meaningful action. She emphasizes the importance of leaders who can translate visionary ideals into tangible actions, replacing outdated models of leadership with inclusive, collaborative approaches. Chicago shares personal anecdotes about the emotional impact of her work and her unwavering belief in the possibility of creating a better world through dedicated effort and solidarity.

She advises young artists and activists to pursue meaningful, research-driven projects rather than conforming to market-driven demands. Chicago champions the idea that art serves as a profound means of communication and transformation, capable of bridging divides and fostering understanding across diverse communities.

Notable Quotes

• Judy Chicago [09:22]:
  "Genesis is based on a lie that a male God reached out his finger and created man. And that is not how birth happens. It is women who give birth."

• Judy Chicago [36:18]:
  "Each of the women on the table... their achievements grew. People have no idea today what it required in the 1970s to find women's history."

• Judy Chicago [41:55]:
  "Feminism is basically a system of thought that dates back to Christine de Pizan, that challenges the triangular structure of patriarchal society with white men at the top of the pinnacle."

• Judy Chicago [63:02]:
  "Collaboration built this world, and it will be collaboration that will save this world."

• Judy Chicago [66:19]:
  "They have to speak from our hearts. And men have to begin to talk about the damage that has been done to them by patriarchal values."

• Judy Chicago [69:45]:
  "It's like Donald and I did a series when we were working on the Holocaust project called Nuclear Wasted. It was about the consequences of the nuclear industry on people everywhere."

• Judy Chicago [79:37]:
  "Art is a journey of discovery... deep research, deeply thought through."

Final Thoughts

In this compelling episode, Judy Chicago articulates her vision for a world built on collaboration, justice, and the recognition of women's pivotal roles in history and creation. Through her readings and insightful discussions, she challenges entrenched patriarchal narratives and advocates for a redefining of feminism that embraces broader values of equity and sustainability. Chicago's enduring legacy serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for current and future generations to continue striving for a more inclusive and harmonious world.