Above Ground: 40 Moments of Transformation

The exhibition Above Ground–40 Moments of Transformation documents public performances staged by Young Feminist Activists (YFA) in China since 2012 that have sought to call attention to gender discrimination and violence against women in contemporary China. These public actions have not only heightened public discourse around gender and sexuality, but have also resulted in new legislation criminalizing domestic violence and designating public bathroom facilities for women. One section documents public protests sparked by the arrest of “The Feminist Five,” who were arrested by the Chinese government on the eve of International Women’s Day on March 7, 2015. Renowned feminist activist Lu Pin organized Above Ground, which has been touring the United States.

The exhibition is co-sponsored by the Spencer Museum of Art, the Center for East Asian Studies, the Departments of History, East Asian Languages & Literature, and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies at the University of Kansas.