WOMEN HOLD UP HALF THE SKY (2007)

Women Hold Up Half the Sky is a permanent installation in the lobby of the Mills College Life Sciences Building in Oakland, California. This video artwork celebrates the contributions of women in science from ancient to modern times. On two large projections, animations retell the history of women in science, commencing with Hypatia, the Egyptian mathematician, astronomer, and physicist born in the fourth century. The installation shows stylized views of the women at work in their laboratories, and montages of the womens’ discoveries.

A new scientist appears each month, moving through the Middle Ages to the contemporary era over the course of the school year, and featuring prominent scientists such as Marie Curie and Barbara McClintock. In this way, the work recapitulates the history of women in science as the year advances.

The young women of Mills College see their course content reflected in the walls of their school, and find role models for the careers they will soon begin. In addition to highlighting some of the most well known women of science, Snibbe’s piece offers a glimpse into the professional lives of some of the schools own pioneers through ground level monitors that show Mills alumnae who currently work as scientists, providing concrete inspiration to faculty, staff, and visitors.

CREDITS

Cast

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Tom Leeser

California Institute of the Arts Center for Integrated Media

California Institute of the Arts Dance Department

Big Vision Studios

Tech Props