Andrea Fraser at The Hammer

On view from May 18th to September 15th.

In the Hammer’s project space is a singular video work by artist Andrea Fraser, who is known for her feminist performance and video work. In the video, we encounter a seated Fraser acting out a four-person dialogue. The script was sourced from an archival recording of four self-identified male feminists discussing their support for women’s rights, and Fraser performs all four, slightly altering her mannerisms for each. Fraser—who herself is dressed in the masculine, professorial garb of khakis, colored shirt, and sweater—emulates male postures as she speaks, yet also exposes a slight apprehension as the men delve into discussing the female gender, and the burdens they feel as men. “We’re all in a way somewhat nervous about doing this,” one character expresses. In front of the video are a semicircle of chairs inviting viewers to participate in the complicated topics of gender roles, male identity, and allyship.