Judy Chicago: Revelations Exhibition at Kunsthalle Recklinghausen

The Kunsthalle Recklinghausen is set to host the highly anticipated exhibition, "Judy Chicago: Revelations," from June 26 to August 17, 2025. This exhibition is part of the renowned Ruhrfestspiele and showcases the works of Judy Chicago, a pivotal figure in Feminist Art. Born in 1939 in the United States, Chicago emerged as a prominent artist during the late 1960s, creating art that challenges the male-centric narratives prevalent in the art world. Her extensive career spans over six decades and is characterized by a commitment to craft, experimentation, and a distinctive visual language that addresses the erasure of women from the Western cultural canon.

The exhibition features over 160 exhibits, including works on paper, needlework, and historical photographs, many of which will be displayed in Germany for the first time. This significant survey, organized by the Serpentine Gallery in London and adapted for the Kunsthalle, reflects Chicago's profound exploration of themes such as women’s history, birth, masculinity, power dynamics, the Holocaust, mortality, and climate justice.

Dr. Nico Anklam, the Museum Director of Kunsthalle Recklinghausen, emphasizes the exhibition's relevance, stating, "Judy Chicago’s work invites audiences to rethink historical narratives and encourages a dialogue on contemporary issues affecting women and society at large." The exhibition's curatorial team includes Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director at Serpentine, and Chris Bayley, Exhibitions Curator, alongside Anklam and Curator Kerstin Weber-Baumann from Kunsthalle Recklinghausen.

A public discussion titled "Judy Chicago: Visionary Ecofeminist and Radical Educator" will take place on July 17, featuring Dr. Jana Johanna Haeckel from Brussels and Dr. Nico Anklam. This conversation aims to delve deeper into Chicago's impact on the feminist art movement and her advocacy for ecofeminism.

The exhibition has garnered support from various institutions, including the Ruhrfestspiele Recklinghausen, the City of Recklinghausen, and several cultural organizations. The Kunsthalle, which has a collection of over 5,000 works since its establishment by the artist group "junger westen" in 1950, aims to foster connections between artists and the public through exhibitions like this one.

Judy Chicago's art confronts societal norms and challenges viewers to engage with complex themes surrounding gender and power. As a leading figure in the feminist art movement, her exhibitions continue to resonate, making "Revelations" a crucial event in the art calendar for 2025. The Kunsthalle Recklinghausen, celebrating its 75th anniversary, proudly presents this exhibition that embodies its mission to highlight significant contemporary artists and their contributions to cultural discourse.