Michele Pred’s latest show at Nancy Hoffman Gallery is part exhibition, part directive. VOTE FEMINIST is as much a collection of works by the conceptual performance artist as it is a call to action. The exhibition features political commentary in a range of media, including reenvisioned feminist voting booths, American flags made of bullets, riot shields and bullet-proof vests, and Pred’s vintage handbags emblazoned in glowing neon with feminist slogans like “Me Too” and “Pussy Grabs Back.” The bags recently garnered attention when they were worn by celebrities at the 2018 Oscars.
Pred subverts mass-produced objects like handguns and handbags to critique gun and police violence in America, sexual assault, gender wage gaps, and racism. In December 2017 Pred curated the “Parade Against Against the Patriarchy” during Miami Art Week. For VOTE FEMINIST the artist will lead a parade on November 3. “Nevertheless We Vote: An Artist’s Call to the Polls” is presented in conjunction with The National Institute for Reproductive Health and Gun by Gun. Gathering in Washington Square Park and proceeding to Nancy Hoffman Gallery, the parade is a call to action for artists and a celebration of exercising our democratic duty.