“Martha Rosler: Irrespective is a survey exhibition of the work of the influential artist Martha Rosler. Rosler is considered one of the strongest and most resolute artistic voices of her generation; she is also a prolific writer, lecturer, professor, and advocate for social justice. She skillfully employs diverse materials to address pressing matters of her time, including war, gender roles, gentrification, inequality, and labor. From her feminist photomontages of the 1960s and 1970s to her large-scale installations, Rosler’s vital work reflects an enduring and passionate vision. 

Martha Rosler: Irrespective showcases both well-known and rarely seen selections from more than five decades of work. Installations, photographic series, sculpture, and video represent a practice continually evolving and reacting to the shifting contours of political life. Throughout, Rosler’s work has been characterized by intellectual rigor and sharp wit, along with a sense of urgency directed at social and political issues that remain as relevant and immediate as when they first emerged.” — Jewish Museum

Martha Rosler, Cleaning the Drapes, from the series House Beautiful: Bringing the War Home, c. 1967-72, photomontage. Artwork © Martha Rosler

Martha Rosler, First Lady (Pat Nixon), from the series House Beautiful: Bringing the War Home, c. 1967-72, photomontage. Artwork © Martha Rosler

Martha Rosler, A Gourmet Experience, 1974, Multipart installation with banquet table, video, slide projections, audio, books, and cookbook readings. Artwork © Martha Rosler

Martha Rosler, still from Semiotics of the Kitchen, 1975, black-and-white video, 6 min., 33 sec. Artwork © Martha Rosler

Martha Rosler, still from Semiotics of the Kitchen, 1975, black-and-white video, 6 min., 33 sec. Artwork © Martha Rosler

Martha Rosler, still from Vital Statistics of a Citizen, Simply Obtained, 1977, color video, 40 min. Artwork © Martha Rosler

Martha Rosler, still from Vital Statistics of a Citizen, Simply Obtained, 1977, color video, 40 min. Artwork © Martha Rosler

Martha Rosler, still from Vital Statistics of a Citizen, Simply Obtained, 1977, color video, 40 min. Artwork © Martha Rosler

Martha Rosler, Unknown Secrets (The Secret of the Rosenbergs), 1988. Detail. Artwork © Martha Rosler

Martha Rosler, Photo-Op, from the series House Beautiful: Bringing the War Home, New Series, 2004, photomontage. Artwork © Martha Rosler

 “Martha Rosler believes that art should teach, provoke, and motivate,” says Darsie Alexander, Susan and Elihu Rose Chief Curator at The Jewish Museum. “From her early photomontages to her pioneering feminist videos and her current work interrogating gentrification and income inequality, Rosler’s art is a call to action.” 

Martha Rosler: Irrespective is organized by Darsie Alexander, Susan and Elihu Rose Chief Curator, with Shira Backer, Leon Levy Assistant Curator, The Jewish Museum, in close collaboration with the artist and her studio.

Images courtesy Jewish Museum.