The artist behind the ‘Ladies Lounge’ at Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) says reports suggesting the women-only space is closing its doors next month are incorrect.
The lounge recently became the subject of a gender discrimination case after a man from New South Wales travelled to Tasmania and was denied entry.
In response to an article on Sunday, Kirsha Kaechele took to Instagram to tell her followers to ‘not believe’ everything they hear.
“I said something on the radio and somehow ended up with a headline: ‘Mona Ladies Lounge to Close’ (eye-roll),” she wrote.
“Who knows what I actually said (well, they do, they recorded it)—bad idea, being recorded at 7:30am on your birthday.”
“I probably said what we all know is true: It will end. It will all end. Soon we will be dead and it all will be over. Just one more reason to celebrate while we’re alive.”
According to the reporting by the ABC, Kaechele seemed to suggest the lounge had “run its course” and would be closing after a final celebration.
“Now I’m very happy with the Supreme Court ruling, but I feel the work has run its course and I’d be glad if this is the end,” she was quoted as saying from the radio interview.
“So there’ll be a big celebration, I’ll open it for a period of time and then really we’ll just go all out and then close the artwork.”
However, in her Instagram post, Kaechele clarified that the future still includes the lounge.
“I’m trying to be on vacation, but now with this dumb headline circling around I guess I should clarify: The Ladies Lounge is closed to men. Forever,” she wrote.
“It may change locations, you know, go on tour, we all love an adventure. And I love Paris. Maybe the Ladies Lounge should visit the Pompidou! Do you hear that Laurent?”
