GENDER GAP IN THE DIRECTORSHIP OF MUSEUMS AND ART EXHIBITIONS:

SÃO PAULO BIENNIAL CASE STUDY (1951-2016)

Abstract

Inspired by Guerrilla Girls’ projects, which since the mid-1980s have denounced gender inequality in the artistic world, in this article I present statistics that reflect the recurrent underrepresentation of women in the direction of art institutions. Beyond mere accounting, I intend to analyze the scenario based on the literature on the subject, discussing some explanations, unfolding events and alternatives. The focus here is to highlight certain structures that lead to the lowest number (or complete absence in some cases) of women in the directorship positions of museum and art exhibitions, taking as a case study the São Paulo Biennial throughout its 32 editions (1951-2016).