In every election season, it seems almost guaranteed that a male politician will utter something shockingly ignorant or offensive regarding women and their bodies. This leads to collective sighs from women everywhere, who are left wondering why these men are rewarded with the power to influence legislation that impacts their lives.
This all-too-familiar frustration inspired artists Zoë Barrett and Natalie Greene to collaborate on their mural, “We Hold These Truths To Be Self Evident.” Displayed at New York Live Arts, the mural features 37 quotes from male politicians regarding women’s rights and bodies.
“We had been discussing the abundance of upsetting comments about women during the election process,” Barrett told Vice Creators. “This research-driven mural project explores the cumulative negativity and the shocking disregard for science that has left us bewildered about women and girls.”
Barrett added, “There’s a profound lack of understanding about the female body and reproductive health. We aimed to create a piece that’s not only jarring but also visually engaging since beauty and art are our means of expression.”
The mural showcases the 37 quotes printed over an image of white men gathered around a conference table, with a subtle depiction of an odalisque perched on the mantle. The quotes are drawn from a range of politicians, including Bill Clinton, Mike Huckabee, Jeb Bush, and Ted Kennedy, alongside four quotes from the current president, Donald Trump, and several from his advisors. Each quote is numbered, referencing a key that explains its context along with the politician’s name and face.
These quotes can be deeply unsettling, often trivializing serious issues like rape or casting them as mere fabrications. In the months leading up to the mural’s unveiling, Barrett shared some chosen quotes on Instagram.
“I want this to resonate with women,” Barrett explained. “We want to empower you. Whether you’ve experienced harassment, assault, or objectification, we want you to know we hear you and we must unite.”
She continued, “I hope this project sparks dialogue about accountability, especially regarding how we raise future generations. I’m genuinely concerned about the messages they’ll inherit… It’s crucial for everyone to recognize the weight of these statements and understand how language shapes actions and ideologies.”
“We Hold These Truths To Be Self Evident” will be on view in the Ford Foundation Live Gallery at New York Live Arts through the spring season.
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In summary, the mural by Zoë Barrett and Natalie Greene serves as a powerful commentary on the harmful rhetoric surrounding women from male politicians. By transforming these troubling quotes into art, they hope to inspire discussions about accountability and the importance of empowering future generations.