We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first online exhibition, extraORDINARY WOMEN, available at https://expo.re-wiring.eu. Organised by the University of Deusto, this exhibition explores the role of women in industry in Gipuzkoa, shedding light on their historical and contemporary contributions to economic and industrial development.
A Tribute to Women’s Economic Contributions
The title extraORDINARY WOMEN pays homage to the productive role of women. The words ezhoiko (extraordinary in Basque) and (ez)oiko (domestic economy in Greek) evoke historical connections. In ancient Greece, oikos referred to both a family and economic unit where women managed domestic affairs, including textile production. Similarly, in the Roman domus, women supervised education, caregiving, and household finances, though they remained confined to the private sphere. In Gipuzkoa, where Roman presence was linked to mining and trade, women’s economic roles were foundational yet often invisible—an erasure that continued through the Industrial Revolution despite their undeniable contributions to regional prosperity.
Showcasing Women’s Roles in Industry
The exhibition highlights women’s place in the Gipuzkoan economy through sectors such as fishing, textiles, porcelain, glass, and food production. Curated in collaboration with institutions like GORDAILUA Gipuzkoa Centre for Heritage Collections, San Telmo Museoa (STM), and Kutxa Fundazioa, the exhibition presents a collection of artisanal and artistic pieces, structured alphabetically to illustrate the realities, past experiences, and diversity of working women.
Expanding the Definition of Work
Beyond industrial labour, the exhibition challenges the notion of work by addressing unpaid care work—a domain historically attributed to women and often excluded from economic recognition. Unlike productive labour, which is represented through preserved artifacts, care work is left intentionally unrepresented, underscoring its invisibility in historical narratives. The dichotomy between paid-productive work (where women’s contributions have been under-acknowledged) and unpaid-reproductive work (a feminised space critical for economic functioning yet undervalued) is also explored through the audiovisual piece “A favor, please“ by Irati Cano Alkain, created specifically for this project.
Visibility and Recognition: The True Extraordinary Work
It is not extraordinary that women worked—it is extraordinary that we recognise their contributions. This exhibition seeks to illuminate their place in industrial and economic history through preserved artistic and cultural artifacts, advocating for a society where both productive and reproductive labour are valued and shared equally by men and women.
A Nod to Feminist Legacy
The typography used in this project is inspired by typefaces from the second wave of feminism, reminiscent of those used in suffragist pamphlets, fanzines, manuals, and protest banners. Designed by Vocal Type, the typeface pays tribute to pioneers such as Mary Lowndes (1857-1929) and Carrie Chapman Catt (1859-1947), who fought for women’s rights and workplace dignity.
This exhibition is dedicated to them and to all women whose labour—visible or invisible—keeps the world moving forward.
Curation and Concept
Ainara Martin
Graphic Design and Web Development
Entretiempo Design Office
Video Art Site Specific Project
Irati Cano Alkain
Research and Texts
Miren Gutierrez
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