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Art galleries often show the female body as an object instead of a subject. Many people notice this, and artist Julie Rrap has challenged it for over 40 years. Her exhibition at MCA, Past Continuous, brings her powerful work together. Running from June 28, 2024, to February 16, 2025, this exhibition explores how women are seen in art and how those ideas change over time.
A look at the past and present
The Past Continuous does more than reflect on Rrap’s career; it bridges the past and present. Julie Rrap's exhibition at MCA includes her groundbreaking 1982 installation, Disclosures: A Photographic Construct, alongside her newest works.
In the 1980s, Rrap used over 70 photographs to challenge traditional portrayals of women. She turned the camera on herself to take control of the image. Today, she continues exploring similar ideas by using her body to highlight aging and invisibility. This exhibition shows how these ideas have evolved.
Standing on her shoulders
One of the most striking pieces in Julie Rrap's exhibition at MCA is SOMOS (Standing On My Shoulders) (2024). This large bronze sculpture, commissioned by the Melbourne Art Foundation, shows two life-size casts of Rrap. One figure stands on the other’s shoulders, representing growth and how experience shapes identity. This piece reflects her lifelong journey as an artist and challenges the idea that women become invisible as they age.
Challenging Perceptions
Rrap’s work encourages people to think about how society views women. She has recently focused on how older women are often overlooked. Her latest works in 'Past Continuous' explore strength, vulnerability, and how society values different bodies. She invites visitors to reflect on these ideas and question their perceptions.
Why the exhibition matters
Society often values youth over experience, but this exhibition offers a different view. Rrap’s work reminds us that aging is natural and meaningful. She challenges beauty standards and encourages us to see change as something powerful.
Visit Julie Rrap's Exhibition at MCA
Julie Rrap's exhibition, Past Continuous, at MCA runs until February 16, 2025. Whether you love contemporary art or want to explore new ideas, this exhibition offers a thought-provoking experience. Best of all, admission is free, making it easy for everyone to visit.
