Graduating seniors of the Women’s & Gender Studies Minor Program in Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, recently installed a feminist (theory) pop-up exhibition, “Feminist Theory Is Liberatory Practice,” in Argyros Forum (near the Student Union Lounge). The wall celebrated a number of feminist theorists whose work as scholar-activists seeks to deepen our understanding of historical and contemporary struggles for social justice, and strengthen our resolve to believe in the possibility of social change and a more feminist future.

“Our art installation reflects our shared passion for intersectional feminism and explores how it is the vessel for understanding ourselves and the broader world around us,” said Marisa Quezada ’22, Sociology Major. “Personally, Gloria Anzaldúa’s work on the mestiza consciousness has been integral to my growth as a Chicana feminist and am grateful to share that with Chapman through this art exhibit.”

The display featured conversations and artwork addressing a variety of intersectional feminist issues, including a feminist-theory bookshelf; a salute to “black-lesbian-mother-warrior-poet,” Audre Lorde; an altar to Gloria Anzaldúa and borderlands consciousness The exhibit also included a sampler of “Culture Jamming” posters, aka subvertisements or anti-ads, created over the years by students in the course, “Feminist-Art-Theory-Power” taught by Professor C.K. Magliola, Women’s & Gender Studies Program Director.

“My Women’s and Gender Studies students and I wanted to spread some of the feminist energy and insight we’ve benefited from so much in our own lives to the larger Chapman community,” said Professor Magliola. “Doing so seems particularly urgent at the moment when reproductive freedom is at such peril, misogyny & American anti-intellectualism at such a high, and solidarity & support are needed more than ever.”