Installation view of the Picassos in the women’s bathroom at Museum of Old and New Art. Photo: Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

In a deft move to confront a legal ruling on anti-discrimination against a women-only exhibition, Mona ingeniously relocated its Picassos to the women’s bathroom.  

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Tasmania, Australia, has found an innovative way to display multiple works by Pablo Picasso. Originally on display in the exclusive “Ladies Lounge,” these masterpieces are now featured in the women’s bathroom stall. The journey of these artworks and the legal and social implications that led to this unique exhibition space are intriguing.

In April 2023, the “Ladies Lounge” faced a legal challenge when Jason Lau, a man from New South Wales, was denied entry. Lau lodged a complaint with Tasmania’s civil and administrative tribunal. He alleged that the museum’s policy violated the state’s anti-discrimination act by not providing fair access to all ticket holders. The tribunal ruled in favor of Lau, deeming the exhibit discriminatory. Therefor, it ordered Mona to cease this practice within 28 days.

A Creative Solution: Picassos in the Women’s Bathroom

Faced with the tribunal’s ruling, the museum sought a creative loophole. The solution was to relocate the artworks to a newly designated women-only bathroom stall. Kirsha Kaechele expressed her frustration and ingenuity on social media, highlighting that the museum previously had only unisex bathrooms. This move ensured that the artworks remained accessible to women in a private setting while complying with legal requirements.

American artist Kirsha Kaechele created the “Ladies Lounge,” a luxurious retreat that offered an opulent environment for female guests. Opening in 2020, this installation was not just a mere gallery but a sanctuary. It was a place where male butlers served champagne to women admiring works by renowned artists like Picasso and Sidney Nolan. The concept drew inspiration from Australia’s historical context, where women often faced marginalization in public spaces like pubs, a situation that only changed significantly in 1965..

According to Kaechele, the relocation of the Picassos to the bathroom stall, while unconventional, is a tribute to the resilience of women who fought for their rights in public spaces. More importantly, preserving a space dedicated solely to women helps accentuate their emancipation from a patriarchal era.

Pablo Picasso: An Icon of 20th Century Art

Pablo Picasso, a cofounder of the Cubist movement, remains one of the most influential Spanish painters of the 20th century. His works featured in the “Ladies Lounge” are now part of an intimate viewing experience in the women’s restroom at MONA. This unusual display aligns with the museum’s reputation for subversive and provocative exhibitions, reflecting Picasso’s own revolutionary approach to art.

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The tribunal’s decision and the subsequent relocation of the artworks have broader implications for how art spaces navigate issues of inclusivity and discrimination. Nonetheless, Kaechele remains determined to reopen the “Ladies Lounge.” According to her, there are ongoing efforts to reopen the “Ladies Lounge” under Section 26 of the Anti-Discrimination Act. This will allow for gender-based access restrictions under specific conditions.

As part of that effort, she has proposed transforming the “Ladies Lounge” into a multifunctional space such as a church, school, or boutique glamping accommodation. This will legally permit gender-based access restrictions. Additionally, she explained that she hopes to extend the vision of the installation beyond mere compliance. She intends to create a space that challenges societal norms and provides women with a sanctuary for personal enrichment and artistic appreciation.

What do you think about showing Picassos in the women’s bathroom? Share your thoughts. Leave a comment.