Institutional Time

Reviews / Votes

"Chapter Seven of Institutional Time, which cooly lays out the difficulties that graduates will face, should be required reading for all prospective arts students. Chicago is quick to put down the notion that the West has accomplished a state of Post-Feminist bliss, maintaining that equality of education has a long way to go." -Hyperallergic "In this characteristically tenacious book, feminist artist and educator Chicago, best known for her 1979 installation The Dinner Party, shares her struggles and successes as an art instructor-at CalArts (where she helped establish the feminist art program), Indiana University, Duke, Western Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and elsewhere-and boldly calls for a systematic restructuring of studio art programs, which she finds 'deficient, dishonest, and lacking in standards,' as well as androcentric. Chicago's critiques and proposals are powerful conversation-starters, presented earnestly and without academic jargon. She contends, for example, that studio art educators should have teaching credentials; that students should be exposed to a greater variety of art practices and practitioners, such as muralists and community-based artists; women's studies should be fully integrated into the core curriculum; and, finally, 'artists might consider joining forces to combat an art system that is bad for art and toxic for artists.' Disillusioned students and educators will benefit from this rousing book." -Publishers Weekly "As the most prominent artist of the what is known as the 'Second Wave' of feminism, Chicago helped lay the groundwork for a later generation of more art-world-savvy female artists, like Barbara Kruger, Cindy Sherman and Jenny Holzer. As feminism evolved-or perhaps devolved-into just another subspecies of postmodern word games, Chicago remained true to her roots : engaged, political, and always aimed at a wide audience. She has lasted long enough now to be declared both passe and prescient, and there are critics who see her consistency of political vision as a strength that will only be recognized perhaps decades from now." -The Washington Post "While organized into eight thematic chapters, the book feels more like a casual memoir than a focused academic piece. It serves to document the author's many higher-ed feminist projects, then (1970s) and now (e.g., partnering with Kutztown University art educators). Collectors and fans of Chicago's artworks (Dinner Party) and writings (Beyond the Flower) will welcome this strongly charged, feminist-oriented, eclectic narrative." -Library Journal "Judy Chicago documents her work as a teacher of studio art in US colleges and universities. Over five decades, she has taught courses that resulted in very well-received exhibitions. In 2011, Chicago's papers, 'The Judy Chicago Art Education Collection,' were placed in the Special Collections Library of Penn State University. Along with this book, they will provide valuable stimulus for discussion on how art is taught." -Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries