Male Sues Mona’s Lounge for Discrimination

Artist Kirsha Kaechele, creator of Mona’s Ladies Lounge, responds to a gender discrimination complaint with delight as it enters Tasmania’s tribunal. The installation, exclusive to women, offers pampering by male butlers amidst museum art.

Jason Lau, a New South Wales man, lodged the complaint after being denied entry based on his gender, citing Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Act. Kaechele views men’s exclusion as integral to the artwork’s experience.

In a recent tribunal hearing, Kaechele defended her installation, contextualizing discrimination against women throughout history. Lau argues denial of access to significant artworks within the lounge is discriminatory. Kaechele counters, asserting rejection is part of the artwork’s intent.

The inspiration for Ladies Lounge stemmed from Kaechele’s own experiences and historical context, including Australia’s past exclusion of women from public spaces like bars.

Despite several complaints, only one other formal complaint besides Lau’s has been made. Kaechele engages with complainants, emphasizing the artwork’s intent and experience over mere physical presence.

Mona’s legal team navigates the complexities of defining the lounge as both physical space and performance art, exploring its role in promoting equal opportunity and addressing historical exclusion.

The tribunal’s decision, expected within a month, will weigh interpretations of Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Act and the artwork’s purpose in fostering conversation about gender equality.

_{Repurposed article originally published in The Guardian}