Australia: Art museum sued over exhibit reserved for women

©Museum of Old and New Art / Instagram

In Australia, a discrimination complaint has been filed against American artist Kirsha Cassell after a man was denied entry to one of her “women only” exhibitions, Australian television reported. ABC News.

The artist's works are exhibited at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, Tasmania. The museum also houses Kirsha Cashel's groundbreaking work: “Ladies' Lounge”, which aims to reverse the codes of the old Australian pub, which was previously restricted to women. “It's a place where women can retreat, escape the patriarchy, and enjoy each other's company,” Kirsha Cassel said, according to ABC News.

After being refused permission to exhibit in April 2023, New South Wales resident Jason Lau lodged a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commissioner. He said he was not informed beforehand that the museum entry ticket would not allow him to visit that part of the exhibition.

The American artist and MONA argue that discrimination is necessary to give meaning to a work of art, citing Section 26 of Tasmania's Anti-Discrimination Act, which allows discrimination to promote the opportunities of an “otherwise disadvantaged group”. ABC News. The court will announce its decision at a later date.