Womanhouse opened in Los Angeles as part of the first Feminist Art Program, originally established by Judy Chicago at California State University, Fresno, and later expanded at CalArts. Chicago with her co-educator, artist Miriam Schapiro, worked with a group of students and local artists to transform a dilapidated house in Los Angeles into a setting for a series of imaginative installations. During its month-long exhibition, over ten thousand visitors came to see Womanhouse, which later captured a global audience through filmmaker Johanna Demetrakas’ documentary on the project. The installation has gone on to inspire numerous works of art around the world and has contributed to significant changes in the very nature of art and expanded the conversations around which materials are considered suitable for artistic expression.
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Womanhouse catalog cover featuring Judy Chicago and Miriam Schapiro, 1972. Designed by Sheila de Bretteville. Photo Courtesy of Though the Flower Archives housed at Penn State University Archives
Judy Chicago, Cock and Cunt Play from Womanhouse, 1972, written by Judy Chicago, performed by Faith Wilding and Jan Lester. Photo courtesy of Through the Flower archives housed at the Penn State University Archives
Judy Chicago, Menstruation Bathroom from Womanhouse, 1972, mixed media. © Judy Chicago, Photo courtesy of Through the Flower Archives housed at the Penn State University Archives
Judy Chicago, Menstruation Bathroom, 1995, mixed media, reinstallation at LAMOCA of 1972 Menstruation Bathroom from Womanhouse, 1995. © Judy Chicago/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Photo © Donald Woodman/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Judy Chicago, Menstruation Bathroom, 2022, mixed media, reinstallation at Through the Flower Art Space of 1972 Menstruation Bathroom from Womanhouse. © Judy Chicago/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Photo © Donald Woodman/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Kathy Huberland, Bridal Staircase from Womanhouse, 1972. Photo Courtesy of Though the Flower Archives housed at Penn State University Archives
Ironing from Womanhouse, 1972. Performed by Sandra Orgel. Photo Courtesy of Though the Flower Archives housed at Penn State University Archives
Susan Frazier, Vicki Hodgetts, and Robin Weltsch, Nurturant Kitchen from Womanhouse, 1972. Photo Courtesy of Though the Flower Archives housed at Penn State University Archives
Sandra Orgel, Linen Closet from Womanhouse, 1972. Photo Courtesy of Though the Flower Archives housed at Penn State University Archives
Karen LeCocq and Nancy Youdelman, Lea’s Room from Collette’s Cherie from Womanhouse, 1972. Performed by Karen LeCocq. Photo Courtesy of Though the Flower Archives housed at Penn State University Archives
