In 1975 a group of feminist artists and critics came together in New York to raise awareness about feminism and politics and encourage discussion about the centrality of feminist art to what would become known as the Second Wave feminist movement. They called themselves a Collective, and their discussion evolved into a journal they called Heresies, the goals of which were to encourage recognition of feminist art and artists.
Many of the founding members continued to be associated with the journal over its 25 year run, and became known as the "Mother Collective". We recognize their monumental contributions to feminist theory, criticism, and practice.
Joan Braderman: filmmaker and writer. In addition to her many contributions to the journal, Braderman wrote and directed The Heretics (2009), a documentary that included archival footage of the women producing their art and the journal and including interviews with many of them.
Mary Beth Edelson (1933-2021): visual and material artist. Edelson was respected for her activism in the feminist and civil rights movements. In addition to Heresies she was a co-founder of A.I.R. Gallery, which has provided exhibition space for feminist artists since 1980.
Harmony Hammond (1944 --): sculptor and writer. Hammond co-edited three issues of Heresies and published articles in several more, including "Class Notes" (Issue 3), "Horseblinders" (Issiue 9), and "A Sense of Touch (Issue 12).
Elizabeth Hess: journalist and lecturer on feminist art and animal rights. In addition to her editorial collaboration, Hess contributed "Domestic Interiors in Northern New Mexico" (Issue 11). She is perhaps best known for her acclaimed book and documentary, Nim Chimpsky: The Chimp Who Would Be Human.
Joyce Kozloff (1942 --): painter and muralist. Kozloff is known for her public art installations; as well as in renowned galleries and museums, her work has been exhibited at transportation hubs including the San Francisco and Reagan International Airports and the Harvard Square Subway Station.