The Heretics

Video artist Joan Braderman's illuminating documentary profiles 28 women who were involved with a feminist arts collective that became an influential force for equality in the creative realm, providing exposure for writers and others, while also creating space for artists' work through gallery ownership and curatorial efforts. Moving to New York City in 1971, Braderman became involved with a variety of communal activities, the most significant of which produced the journal Heresies: A Feminist Publication on Art and Politics, which ran from 1977–92 and took its title from the Susan Sontag quote “New truths begin as heresies.” Each issue was built around a different theme, ranging from race to violence, and featured prominent authors such as Alice Walker and Adrienne Rich. Braderman reminisces with other collaborators, such as writer Lucy Lippard, director Su Friedrich, and painter Joan Snyder, who talk about the publication, as well as their formative experiences during the 1950s and 1960s—such as reading Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique and joining consciousness-raising groups. Braderman travels to New Mexico, Spain, Italy, and points beyond, incorporating informative and amusing archival material, along with text and images from Heresies, and shots of completed artworks and works-in-progress. A heartening subtext emerges: every one of Braderman's subjects has continued to create art and they work to ensure that women receive equal representation in their respective fields. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)