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What is ecofeminism - and does it have to be serious?

The Barbican's latest exhibition, Re/Sisters: A Lens on Gender and Ecology, stands as a powerful testament to the evolving force of ecofeminism in the world of art and activism. One cannot help but be moved by the portrayal of women as the first targets of climate change within the exhibition. Women, especially in disadvantaged countries, bear the brunt of the environmental crisis. They are the caregivers, the water carriers, and the ones holding together large families in the face of adversity. Their resilience and strength in the face of such adversity are portrayed with profound empathy.


But, you know, both the words 'feminism' and 'eco' make so many people roll eyes. The agressivity and protesting push people away. This show, however, talks about a witty and expontaneous movement, which is basically combining two urgent issues which walk hand-by-hand - without much fury and shouting.

With a focus on empowerment rather than despair in the face of ecological breakdown, RE/SISTERS seeks to encourage a more reciprocal, grateful, and joyful relationship with our animate Earth, platforming works which reclaim nature as a feminist political space and which argue fiercely for the rights of Indigenous and Global Majority groups.


Featuring an impressive collection of 250 works spanning photography, film, performance art, and installations, this exhibition spotlights the creative brilliance of nearly 50 women and gender non-conforming artists who have been shaping the discourse since the late 1960s.


Re/Sisters invites us to reflect on our roles in these interconnected struggles. It calls on us to resist gender-based and nature-based violence, to challenge the status quo, and to envision a world where women are not just victims but leaders in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. It empowers us to recognize that true progress cannot be achieved without addressing both the oppression of women and the degradation of our planet.


In a world increasingly dominated by discussions of climate change, Re/Sisters takes a unique approach by reframing the conversation. As curator Pardo aptly puts it, the exhibition moves beyond the ubiquitous climate change narrative to shed light on the often-overlooked connections between gender-based violence, nature-based violence, and environmental issues. It prompts us to recognize that these struggles are not isolated but intricately intertwined, making it imperative for us all to engage in the fight for gender and ecological justice.


Ecofeminism, a concept coined by Françoise d'Eaubonne in the 1970s, serves as the philosophical foundation of this exhibition. At its core, ecofeminism asserts that the oppression of women and the degradation of the environment are inseparable. It challenges us to understand that addressing one issue necessitates addressing the other. In a world grappling with the consequences of climate change, this interconnectedness becomes more evident than ever.


As visitors explore the thought-provoking pieces within Re/Sisters, they'll encounter a powerful critique of the male-dominated land art tradition. The artists here question the historical erasure of women's contributions to environmental art while exposing the exploitation of women's insecurities by capitalism. Through their work, they shed light on how the art world, like society at large, often fails to take feminism seriously.


In this thought-provoking exhibition, the Barbican has provided a platform for these artists to call the shots and make their voices heard. Re/Sisters reminds us that art is not just a reflection of society but also a catalyst for change. It beckons us to join the resistance, to become a part of these interconnected struggles, and to work towards a more equitable and sustainable future where women and the environment are both valued and protected.

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