El Tendedero/The Clothesline Project

Since 1978, Mexico City-based artist Mónica Mayer has been implementing El Tendedero/The Clothesline Project in various museums and communities throughout Mexico, South America, and the U.S., asking women from different classes, ages, and professions to respond to the statement: “As a woman, what I dislike most about my city is…” Participants write their responses on small pink ballots, which are then hung on a clothesline. 

A traditionally feminine form, the clothesline doubles as a useful tool to communicate with other women about violence against women—from sexual harassment, to domestic violence, and trafficking. Working with artists, activists, and organizations in the D.C. area, Mayer will facilitate one of her participatory works in September. 

The installation in the museum’s Teresa Lozano Long Gallery in November will document the project’s results, using content created through community outreach, and including documentation from past iterations.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website