Conflict-triggering female-exclusive art exhibit re-emerges, granting entry to certain males for "compensation"
The Cozy Corner, situated at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Tasmania, Australia, was established five years ago by artist Kirsha Kaechele, wife of the museum's founder and owner, David Walsh.
This cozy space, decorated lavishly and offering complimentary champagne served by a butler, functioned without interruption until artist Jason Lau visited MONA last year. Lau was refused entry to the Cozy Corner due to his male gender. He subsequently filed a discrimination lawsuit against MONA.
A tribunal in Hobart, Tasmania's capital city, ruled that the Cozy Corner must stop denying entry to individuals who do not identify as women.
Kaechele elected to shut down the Cozy Corner rather than permit men's entry. However, she wasn't counting on Kaechele's tenacity. She promptly appealed the tribunal's judgment in the supreme court, appearing at the hearing with a group of female supporters dressed in power suits and sporting bold red lipstick.
In September, the supreme court overturned the tribunal's ruling, and MONA announced this week that the Cozy Corner would reopen for a victory lap from Thursday until mid-January 2025.
As before, the champagne would flow for any woman who chose to enter. Men, however, were still banned. Yet, MONA's app, The O, would offer a select few men the chance to enter the Cozy Corner for "domestic arts lessons and other amends," according to the museum.
Despite the Cozy Corner's imminent closure, Kaechele portrayed it as a "living artwork" and hinted at a possible pop-up version appearing "anywhere, at any time, especially in centers of male power."
In a statement, Kaechele welcomed visitors back to the installation, expressing her gratitude for the worldwide attention the court case had garnered:
"Through the court case, the Cozy Corner has transcended the realm of art museums and come to life. People worldwide have been encouraged to ponder the experiences of women throughout history and today."
"Now, it's time to celebrate in the very place where it all began - with the gracious service of our butlers and an abundance of champagne to toast this remarkable chapter!"
New works and performances would be showcased in the Cozy Corner, although MONA chose to keep the specifics under wraps "to preserve the element of surprise."
The museum confirmed that admission to the Cozy Corner, as well as male exclusion, were both included in the museum entry fee.
To commemorate the Cozy Corner's final days, Kaechele commissioned a new, limited-edition fragrance called "The Verdict."
"The fragrance highlights a harmonious blend of refined florals, lush green stems, zesty citrus, and a subtle hint of spice," according to the MONA statement.
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The Cozy Corner, initially known for its stylish decor and association with various art forms, was at the center of a controversial gender discrimination case. Kaechele, in her defense, argued that the Cozy Corner was a form of art that aimed to highlight women's experiences throughout history.
