Meaning: Judy Chicago, a prominent feminist artist, reflects on her experience as a female artist in a male-dominated art world with the statement, "With my early work I got eviscerated by my male professors, and so you learned to disguise your impulses, as many women have done. And that's definitely changed." This quote encapsulates the struggles that women artists have faced in the past and highlights the shift in attitudes and opportunities for women in the art world.

During the early years of her career, Chicago encountered significant criticism and resistance from her male professors. The term "eviscerated" conveys a sense of being emotionally gutted or criticized in a harsh and destructive manner. This experience is not unique to Chicago; many women artists have faced similar challenges, often being dismissed, overlooked, or belittled by their male counterparts. The pressure to conform to male expectations and standards forced women to suppress their true artistic impulses and conform to a male-dominated artistic paradigm.

The phrase "disguise your impulses" speaks to the idea of women artists feeling the need to subdue or alter their creative instincts in order to gain acceptance and recognition in a male-centric art world. This act of self-censorship stifled the authentic expression of female artists and perpetuated a culture of conformity to male standards. The impact of this societal pressure resulted in the erasure of women's perspectives and artistic voices from the mainstream art narrative.

However, Chicago's assertion that "that's definitely changed" acknowledges the progress that has been made in the art world regarding gender equality and recognition of women artists. Over the years, there has been a significant shift in attitudes and opportunities for women in the art world. With the rise of feminist movements and increased awareness of gender disparities, there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of inclusivity and representation of diverse voices within the art community.

Today, there is a greater recognition and celebration of women artists, with their contributions being acknowledged and valued on a broader scale. Institutions and curators are actively working to address historical gender imbalances by showcasing the work of women artists and integrating diverse perspectives into the art world. This shift has created a more inclusive and equitable environment for female artists to express themselves authentically and unapologetically.

Judy Chicago's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges that women artists have faced historically, while also highlighting the progress that has been made in reshaping the art world into a more inclusive and diverse space. It encourages continued efforts to support and amplify the voices of women artists and to challenge the lingering biases and barriers that may still exist within the art community. By recognizing and celebrating the unique contributions of women artists, the art world can continue to evolve and thrive as a more equitable and representative space for all creators.