One of the most viral artworks of 2024 will return to its Tasmanian home, following a short period of being mothballed after losing a discrimination court case.
That’s right, artist Kirsha Kaechele’s Ladies Lounge, which captivated audiences and made headlines all over the globe, is going back on view at the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, just in time for the holidays.
The performance-installation work consists of a luxe parlor where men exist only to serve the needs of women as they lounge, snack on canapés, and and sip champagne, all as a playful commentary on a long history of discrimination in the other direction. Precious artworks hang on the walls, including supposedly priceless Picassos from the artist’s grandmother’s collection (later revealed as fakes created just for the installation).
Kirsha Kaechele and a male butler. Courtesy Museum of Old and New Art.
It was on uncontroversial view since 2020 at the museum, founded by Kaechele’s husband, David Walsh, (she refers to herself as the institution’s “first lady”), until March 2024, when one Jason Lau of New South Wales took issue and filed a discrimination complaint with the local Anti-Discrimination Commissioner at the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. A judge decided against the museum and the artist in April, ruling that the lounge must admit men or close; they appealed to the Supreme Court of Tasmania, in Hobart.
While awaiting the high court’s decision, Kaechele slyly exploited a clause in the lower court’s judgement that said men could reasonably be excluded from a ladies’ restroom, temporarily moving the “Picassos” and other artifacts into a women’s bathroom.
But ultimately the Supreme Court decided in favor of the artist in September, writing in his judgement that the work gave women “a rare glimpse of what it is like to be advantaged.”
Kirsha Kaechele celebrates the verdict of the Tasmanian Supreme Court. Photo: Jesse Hunniford, courtesy Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania.
According to press materials, “Entry for ladies, and exclusion for men, is included as part of the museum entry ticket.”
“Welcome back, ladies,” says Kaechele in press materials. “Through the court case, the Ladies Lounge has transcended the art museum and come to life. People from all over the world have been invited to contemplate the experiences of women throughout history and today. It is time to celebrate in the place where it all began—with the dedicated adoration of our butlers and copious amounts of champagne to toast this incredible chapter!”
New artworks will be on display, along with some surprise programming and a performance by artist Betty Grumble.
If you can’t make it to Tasmania but want to experience the scent of victory, you’re in luck—Kaechele is also releasing a commemorative, limited edition fragrance, dubbed The Verdict, with the punning tagline “for the lady who appeals.”
Men who are just dying to experience the lounge can apply via the museum’s app, The O, to be one of the servants.
Here’s your chance, Mr. Lau!
Ladies Lounge will be on view at the Museum of Old and New Art, 655 Main Rd, Berriedale, Tasmania,, Australia, from December 19, 2024, to January 13, 2025.
Source: Exhibition - news.artnet.com
