“Bald Girls” is a pioneering and dynamic feminist art collective from China, founded in 2012 at the Iberia Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing’s 798 Art District. The group’s name carries powerful visual and symbolic meaning, representing women’s resistance and strength in the face of gender oppression. The term “Bald” signifies stripping away external facades, while “Warrior Women” embodies a combative stance.
From Creation to Early Challenges
In 2012, “Bald Girls” made their debut with a provocative art exhibition that directly addressed women’s issues, quickly sparking widespread discussion within the art world. However, from the outset, the collective faced criticism and hostility from conservative forces in society. They were accused of being “defiant and rebellious” and were subjected to censorship and harassment. In response to these pressures, the group chose to speak out through even bolder artistic forms. In 2013, they hosted an art event at Beijing Zajia Lab, using performance art and installation to explore the relationship between women’s bodies and societal structures. Their work further intensified public attention on feminist issues.
Expanding to the International Stage
In 2014, “Bald Girls” brought their art to the international stage. At the Women’s Museum in Bonn, Germany, their exhibition showcased the struggles and resilience of Chinese women within society and family. That same year, they collaborated with the Fluxus art movement in Wiesbaden, exploring the intersection of feminism and avant-garde art. In Bogotá, South America, they partnered with local women artists, creating works that fostered cross-cultural dialogue on global women’s rights. This series of international activities established “Bald Girls” as a representative force in Chinese feminist art.
Since 2015, increasing censorship of feminist and artistic expression within China forced the group to shift their main activities overseas. Despite these challenges, they continued to raise their voices through exhibitions and lectures across Europe and the Americas, shedding light on the shared struggles faced by women worldwide.
A Decade of Reflection and Future Outlook
In 2022, the group held a landmark ten-year retrospective exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany, tracing their creative journey and intellectual evolution. This exhibition not only summarized a decade of perseverance but also inspired new momentum for their future artistic endeavors. As part of their plan to hold international exhibitions every two years, the 2024 exhibition was initially scheduled to take place in the Middle East but was postponed due to war.
Regardless of changing circumstances, “Bald Girls” remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing women’s rights and feminist causes. Their art transcends geographic and cultural boundaries, confronting gender inequality in bold and unflinching ways. True to the symbolism of their name, the group wields art as a weapon—analyzing, resisting, and refusing to compromise.
The existence of “Bald Girls” is a testament to the global presence of contemporary feminist art and an artistic embodiment of the fight for gender equality. No matter how difficult the road ahead, they will continue to forge their own artistic path, contributing their voice and vision to the feminist movement.
