Cherchez La Femme Exhibition

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by Bryony Harrison (subscribe)

Freelance writer and poet from London; if you would like to read my poetry, please check out my book, 'Poems on the Page', available from goo.gl/Ta4oAX.

Event: 16/05/2014 - 13/07/2014

Collective Feminist Videos

Courtesy of Centre audiovisuel Simone de Beauvoir, Paris

We're all aware of feminist movements that have taken place in Britain, but curator Alaina Claire Feldman, thought it was time we gained a wider perspective, by looking towards the activists and militant collectives in France.

Cherchez La Femme is an exhibition that looks back to 1970s France to discover the rich and radical history of feminist videos made by women across the channel. Until now, these videos were unknown to UK audiences, but now they can be viewed at SPACE Studios until the 13th July.

In 1967, Sony created a portable video camera called Portapak. Because it was cheaper than film, had a quicker production time, and was easier to move around, the technology gave feminist the ability to protest and express their views through a new medium.

Answering the call of Simone de Beauvoir, whose critical essay, The Second Sex (1947), stated a need for female solidarity and organisation, activists got together to form groups, such as Vidéa and Insoumuses. Sharing their resources and skills, they worked towards a common goal o promote feminism, class, and gender consciousness.

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