Bad Girls (art exhibition)

Bad Girls was a groundbreaking art exhibition held at the New Museum in New York City in 1994. The exhibition, curated by Marcia Tucker, explored representations of female identity, sexuality, and societal expectations through the work of over 40 contemporary female artists. It aimed to challenge conventional notions of femininity and address issues such as violence against women, body image, and the objectification of the female form.

The artworks featured in Bad Girls spanned a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and performance. Many pieces employed humor, irony, and explicit imagery to confront viewers with uncomfortable truths about gender inequality and patriarchal structures. The exhibition was divided into two parts, with "Bad Girls Part I" running from October 14 to November 6, 1994, and "Bad Girls Part II" following from November 12 to December 18, 1994. This structure allowed the New Museum to showcase a broader range of artistic perspectives and themes.

Bad Girls generated significant controversy and critical debate. Some viewers and critics praised the exhibition for its boldness and its willingness to address taboo subjects. Others criticized it for its perceived negativity, its focus on victimization, and its allegedly simplistic representations of complex issues. Despite the controversy, Bad Girls is now recognized as a landmark exhibition that played a crucial role in expanding the dialogue surrounding feminism and contemporary art. It highlighted the diverse voices of female artists and contributed to a broader understanding of the challenges and possibilities of representing female experience in the visual arts. The exhibition and its accompanying catalog remain important resources for scholars and students interested in feminist art history.