Artist Ivana Spinelli on #MeToo and Gender Inequality in the Art World

In an interview with Artribune, Italian artist Ivana Spinelli reflects on the #MeToo movement and its impact on the art world. She describes the movement as opening a window in a stuffy room, breaking the silence around abuse and power dynamics. Spinelli criticizes women who refuse to listen or blame victims, and notes the paradox that victims' faces often differ from the stereotype of a victim. She discusses gender inequality in the Italian art system, arguing that women should not be measured against men. She points out that exhibitions of all-male artists pass without comment, while shows of women artists are labeled 'feminine art.' Spinelli references Guerrilla Girls statistics showing low representation of women in major museums despite many working artists. She calls for men to speak up on gender issues to avoid being seen as self-serving. On generational change, she sees some young people as sensitive but others as disenchanted. Her hope is that the movement leads to more recognition and museum acquisitions for talented women artists, ideally before they turn 80. The interview was conducted by Santa Nastro, vice director of Artribune.