Planned Parenthood: Artist Talk

with Michelle Hartney

November 19, 2024

6:00pm – 8:00pm

Free, RSVP Required

Join us on November 19th at 6:00pm for Michelle Hartney’s artist talk discussing her recent exhibit “Unplanned Parenthood” at IMSS.

Michelle will speak about about the origins of the project, which began around the time the Dobbs case was linked by the Supreme Court, and will discuss the history of birth control in the United States and the role racism and misogyny play in maternal health outcomes in America. During the talk folks are invited to take part in the project by sewing letters that need to be completed for future pieces.

Please note that this presentation will touch on sensitive topics that may not be appropriate for all ages.

About the artist:

Michelle Hartney is a Chicago based artist and activist. Her work focuses on gender rights, reproductive healthcare issues, and cancel culture. Utilizing fiber, ceramics, wood, embroidery, and social practice, she has completed projects that address birth control access in America, obstetric abuse, postpartum PTSD, gender affirming care, and the roles racism and misogyny play in maternal health outcomes in the United States. Her interest in using art to address social issues began during her graduate studies in art therapy at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Hartney often offers cathartic actions for viewers to participate in. She has collaborated with the ACLU, Improving Birth, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, & Neonatal Nurses, and Birth Monopoly to raise awareness about reproductive health issues.

Hartney has performed guerrilla activations at The Art Institute of Chicago and The Met, calling on cultural institutions to provide the truth about artists they represent and context about problematic work in their collections. Her work has been published in the New York Times, CNN, BBC Radio, The Guardian, Ms. Magazine, Vice, PBS, Women’s Health, Artnet News, and Hyperallergic.

This project is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

This project is supported, in whole or in part, by federal assistance listing number, 21.027 awarded to the International Museum of Surgical Science by the US Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in the amount of $125,000.00, representing 83% of total project funding.

This project is partially supported by a Chicago Arts Recovery Program grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

The International Museum of SurgicalScience acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.