Lucia Veronesi on #MeToo: Art World Gender Disparities

In an interview with Artribune, artist Lucia Veronesi offers her perspective on the #MeToo movement and gender inequality in the art world. She describes #MeToo as a choral movement that makes women feel less alone and has exposed systemic abuse. Veronesi notes the movement has sparked opposing reactions: an elite feminist movement led by celebrities versus warnings of a witch hunt. She finds valid arguments on both sides. Regarding the Italian art system, Veronesi states that women artists are often assumed to lack technical skills. She cites a 2017 NABA report showing over 60% of art academy students are women, yet only a quarter are represented by contemporary art galleries. In 2016, only 19% of 148 solo shows featured women, and three-quarters of artists in group shows were male. While recent Biennales have awarded Golden Lions to women, national representation remains skewed. Abroad, Veronesi perceives greater respect for the artist profession, which reduces discrimination. On generational change, she shifts focus to respect for the person and profession, noting that artists active in the 1970s felt isolated, while today conditions have improved thanks to militant critics like Lea Vergine. She warns against labeling work as 'feminine' or 'gendered,' advocating for art to be judged solely on its merit. Veronesi hopes for a future where statistics on gender representation in biennales, museums, and exhibitions are no longer needed.