Do you feel American society’s view of the female body and female sexuality has evolved from when you started making art?

Honestly, the issues women face are exactly the same but we have made progress.

On the one hand, we’re still fighting for equal pay for equal work, bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. On the other, there are a lot more opportunities for women in all fields and we have started to see a greater representation of women of color.

My generation had very few role models of women with power. It was unheard of for women to own sexual imagery when I started making art. Now women get to develop the female gaze. All ideas around gender have changed dramatically. It’s a brand-new world and people get to own their desire. Gender and sexuality are so much more fluid. It’s liberating for everyone.

Similarly, has the reception to your work changed over time?

My work communicates with more people every year. The prejudices against women, porn and fashion have all evolved. Life is more nuanced, and binaries are less popular. People are questioning their knee-jerk reactions.

You’ve worked with organizations like Planned Parenthood and the ACLU to advance the causes you believe in, such as reproductive rights and racial justice. How do you think artists can be most effective as activists?

Barbara Kruger, Kara Walker, Hank Willis Thomas, Arthur Jafa and other great activist-artists make a huge impact with their artwork. It’s powerful and it disrupts. Not every artist can make that kind of work, but everyone can do something. Artists can raise money by donating work, donating time and joining progressive groups. These are all effective methods.

As someone who has enjoyed such an enduring and prolific career, do you ever feel at a loss for ideas or inspiration? What drives you to keep creating?

I have always been curious. My artist friends are the same way. I get too much pleasure from making art. You’re going to have to pry the camera and paintbrush out of my hand! I’m never going to stop. I make art about the times we live in, which are endlessly interesting. ❖

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