DISBAND performs a set of politically charged feminist anthems in DISBAND at Franklin Furnace (1979). Comprised of Donna Henes, Barbara Kruger, Diane Torr, and Martha Wilson, the all-girl band of artists addresses issues affecting women through song and movement. Utilizing gestures seen in social protests, the members of DISBAND yell, clap, stomp, walk, and jump to combat patriarchy. Their collective body functions as both instrument and medium to fight sexism in art, politics, and society. Together, these acts conjure an agenda that calls for the evolution of feminist consciousness.

Active in the downtown art scene in Manhattan from 1978-1982, the members of DISBAND screamed, sang, and stomped through the heyday of New York City’s new- and no-wave scenes, blurring the line between performance art and live music. Members included Barbara Ess, Ilona Granet, Donna Henes, Daile Kaplan, Barbara Kruger, Ingrid Sischy, Diane Torr, and Martha Wilson. Mirroring the chaos and temporality of that era, the band sang such songs as “The End,” “Five More Years,” “Every Day Same Old Way,” “Get Rebel,” “Sad,” “Iran-y” and “DOW.” They also addressed their status as women through songs such as “Girls’ Bill of Rights,” “Hey Baby,” “Fashions,” and “Look at My Dick.” DISBAND has performed in New York venues such as MOMA PS1, The Kitchen, Mudd Club, TR3, and nationally at Hallwalls, LAICA, and Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art. In 1980, DISBAND toured Italy with Laurie Anderson, Chris Burden, and others. The group reunited in 2008 to perform at MoMA PS1 as part of the touring exhibition Wack! Art and the Feminist Revolution.  www.disbandny.wordpress.com | www.soundcloud.com/disband