"Diversify Our Institutions" by Amber Lyons

Diversify Our Institutions

Amber Lyons, Westfield State University

Artist Statement: In December, I had the opportunity to visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, where I saw many renowned artworks in person. Historically, popular museums like MoMA have faced criticism for a lack of diversity among the artists represented in their collections. I noticed a few exhibits that aimed to amplify the voices and identities of marginalized groups. 

Inspired by the feminist art group, Guerrilla Girls, I felt compelled to investigate how many female artists were actually featured at MoMA. Despite efforts to showcase a diverse collection, a 2019 study revealed that only 11% of all art in MoMA was created by women. 

In response to this disparity, I created a small-scale booklet, a zine, that shares this information and boldly calls for action with the message, “Diversify Our Institutions”. This piece incorporates appropriated text and images from magazines, maps, and even my MoMA ticket to create a collaged appearance. It is crucial to continue advocating for greater intersectional representation in the museums, libraries, and schools that are meant to reflect our communities and our diverse experiences.

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