Homage to Judy Chicago’s “The Dinner Party”

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

In my most recent class – Art Theory Overdrive – I present a variety of thought-provoking artworks that are meant to challenge the participants’ ability to analyze a work of art from as many perspectives as possible. This four-week class tackled a different subject matter each week and focused on comparing and contrasting two artists connected in some way to that topic.

Here’s the class breakdown…

Session 1: Words & Language – Jenny Holzer & Barbara Kruger

Session 2: Land Art/Earthworks – Christo & Jeanne-Claude & Ana Mendieta

Session 3: Sculpture & Installation – Judy Chicago & Louise Bourgeois

Session 4: Public Art – Kara Walker & Kehinde Wiley

In session 3, we spend a good chunk of class time discussing Judy Chicago’s feminist piece, “The Dinner Party” (1974-1979). Over the course of our discussion, a few of the participants were surprised by some of the women who were not included in the 39 personalized place settings and others suggested a larger table (or additional tables) to include more women.

I am so blown away by that observation and the implications behind it. The act of making a bigger table so that more people can be invited is rather profound, even in these so-called progressive times.

I decided to pay tribute to Judy Chicago and the idea of a bigger table by creating my own place settings for some of my favorite women artists. I’m calling my series “A Seat at the Table.”

Can you guess who is coming to dinner by the “clues” included in each place setting?

Frida Kahlo
Berthe Morisot or Mary Cassatt
Dorothea Lange
Ruth Asawa

If you missed Art Theory Overdrive in June, you are in luck! I am offering this class again in August!

Art Theory Overdrive

Let’s explore challenging artwork that defies labels and categories! 

  • We meet via Zoom on Tuesdays in AUGUST (8/3, 8/10, 8/17 & 8/24) from 11:00am – 12:30pm.
  • Once payment is confirmed, your virtual “seat” is secure.
  • Class is limited to 12 participants.
  • Cost for this 4-week class is $50.
  • For payment options, questions and to register, please contact me directly at WanderlustArts@outlook.

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I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.