JAVA Dec '18 issue

Barnhart uses a diverse set of strategies to maneuver around the same subject. The rage
that Barnhart channels in these works is highly sardonic and draws comparison to the
pioneering work of feminist artists and collectives of the 1970s, such as Martha Rosler
or the Guerilla Girls. Though humorous in approach, these works together suggest the
twisted relationship between power and sexual assault. Men can use their position
of power not only to assault women in the first place but to attempt to squash the
accusations after the fact.
As a whole, this exhibition represents a new direction for Barnhart that embraces
roughness. These works are characterized by a messy uncertainty that pervades the
language of the present moment. The truth, more elusive than ever, often falls in favor of
those in power. In another wall text, Barnhart directly addresses all the “Bretts” of the
world: “In the end, he said, she said, always means he said. Everything will always work
out for you. You will always be okay.” Frustrated and angry, Barnhart wants to keep our
sense of urgency alive.
Malena Barnhart: “He Said/She Said”
Through December 16
Eye Lounge
419 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix
eyelounge.com
Optics (Still 01), Video, 2018, 2:25 min
Untitled, Collaboration between James Bewley and Malena Barnhart Sculpture, 2018, 3.75” x 3.75” x 11.75”
TO ALL THE BRETTS, Vinyl installation, 2018, variable
Calculations, Vinyl installation, 2018, variable, (Photo credit: Suemya Mazegri)
Kavanaugh Karaoke (Still 01), Collaboration between Kimberly Lyle and Malena Barnhart Video installation, 2018, 7:37 min
JAVA 19
MAGAZINE