Peer review to Jiaying Lyu
Your blog post presents a compelling and well-researched discussion on the absence of female themes in museum narratives and the invisibility of women’s labor. By critically analyzing past and present curatorial practices, you effectively highlight the limitations of traditional exhibitions that primarily focus on women’s achievements in male-dominated fields while overlooking emotional and domestic labor. Your use of examples, such as the MoMA and National Gallery of Scotland exhibitions, demonstrates a keen awareness of how curatorial decisions can reinforce or challenge gender biases.
I particularly appreciate your emphasis on emotional labor and the psychological burden it places on women. The proposed exhibition structure is well thought out, addressing both tangible and intangible aspects of women’s contributions. The three-part division ensures a comprehensive exploration of the topic, making invisible labor visible through oral history, interactive installations, and diverse perspectives.
One suggestion for further strengthening your argument could be incorporating more discussion on audience engagement—how can your exhibition encourage visitors to critically reflect on their own perceptions of gendered labor? Overall, this is a thoughtful and necessary contribution to feminist curatorial discourse.