Judy Chicago's Dinner Party became iconic- it is most reproduced work of art of the second half on XXc.And I am glad this installation gets so much exposure,(after being in storage for such a long time), but there is more about Judy Chicago. This book shows her range, but of course before the year 2000. Judy Chicago was one of the pioneers of feminist art, which so many people find challenging even today, but Chicago uses visual vocabulary which is accessible, even to wider audiences, I dare to say.Her art has simplicity of folk art, depth of mythology, and critic Edward Lucie Smith does wonderful job to make this particular artist "explained," as Lucie Smith is a critic with unusual gift of writing in a very accessible way.I am very pleased to see a book about Judy Chicago, which I hope will make this artist more known, not only among art world people and scholars, but also general audience. After all Chicago is concerned with the society as whole, and her aim is not to be elitist, but to bring as much awarness as possible.She is one of the grass root artists, instead of ivory tower types. (Don't get me wrong, ivory towers are needed too,as strange as it seems). I hope this book will make Judy Chicago better known, not only as an important part of the history of XXc. art, but also issues in the history of Western art will be more discussed, and what was neglected will be more visible.
