Long dismissed as mere “idle talk,” gossip has historically been trivialized—particularly when associated with women and feminized voices. Yet this practice holds profound cultural and political significance. Across generations and geographies, gossip has functioned as a vital conduit for knowledge transmission, memory-making, and community-building. It has served as a discreet but powerful tool through which women and queer individuals have shared oral histories, preserved ancestral wisdom, and cultivated collective identities.
Pieces from within the Tacoma Art Museum collection have been thoughtfully chosen by curator Victoria Miles and Rebecca and Jack Benaroya. The exhibit shows ways artists engage in gossip not only as subject matter but as methodology, embedding within their work the textures of lived experience, cultural memory, and communal care.
The exhibit is split into four sub-themes: Precious Jewelry, The Home and Its Pysche, Intimacy, Sexuality and Spirituality, and Playing with Tradition. The collection includes multidisciplinary art pieces of glass, ceramic and photographs. A zine is included with artists from around the globe, featuring original artwork from Yvonne McCoy, Rahel Süßkind, and Rae Whitlock.
The exhibition highlights over 60 artists from the 20th century. Its extended viewing schedule includes multiple rotations offering viewers incentive to come more than once.
Miles believes an important message is reminding all people to tell their stories and remember their history. “We need to keep talking to each other and build on our knowledge,” she says.
The Tacoma Art Museum is celebrating over 85 years as a leading resource for art of the Pacific Northwest. Its mission is to transform our communities by sharing art that inspires broader perspectives and cultivates a compassionate future. The museum maintains a large collection of glass art by Tacoma Art Museum Opens Gossip: Between Us Tacoma native, Dale Chihuly, which is on permanent display. People will also find a fine collection of Japanese woodblock prints and a significant collection of studio art jewelry.
The public is welcome to visit the museum at no cost on Thursday evenings from 5-8pm. At other times, seniors, military and youth have a discounted admission. TAM is in the heart of Tacoma’s vibrant Museum District, which consists of six museums.
For Additional Information
Tacoma Art Museum
tacomaartmuseum.org
BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS
Image credits:
Top: Carrie Mae Weems, Untitled (Woman and Daughter with Make-up) from the Kitchen Table Series, 1990/2010
Left: Joyce J. Scott, Untitled, date unknown