THEME: THE INVISIBLE
There is a term for what happens to women over fifty in society: it is called the Invisible Woman Syndrome. America’s youth-obsessed culture places a high value on a woman’s physical appearance; therefore, aging leads to invisibility. Older women often feel marginalized by this social phenomenon.
It affects older women in many aspects of life: professional and private. Professionally, midlife women may lose employment opportunities, be overlooked for job promotions, and have achievements go unnoticed. In her Tedx Talk, Valerie Albarda discusses the Invisibility Trifecta. Midlife women are ignored, devalued, and treated differently; however, the behavior towards midlife women of color is exponentially worst. (“TEDxCharlotte Talk | The Invisibility Trifecta” n.d.)
Inspired by The Invisible Woman Syndrome, these artworks contemplate whose legacies are remembered and valued. Artworks lift up a silenced voice: the Latina activist and feminist. It is important to provide visibility to Latina activists and highlighting their contributions to the archives of feminism; thereby, correcting their omission in American history.