MONA’s Kirsha Kaechele named marie claire’s creative trailblazer

The vigilante curator and artist behind the lavish Ladies Lounge at MONA, Kirsha Kaechele, has taken home a top media gong for her creative work.

Kirsha Kaechele and ladies walking to the Supreme Court of Tasmania in Hobart for the first stage of their appea against the shut down of the ladies lounge at MONA. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The vigilante curator and artist behind the lavish Ladies Lounge at MONA, Kirsha Kaechele, has taken home a top gong in marie claire’s Women of the Year awards, being named the Creative of the Year.

Kaechele made headlines earlier in the year when her women-only space, designed to be a sanctuary for women and refused entry to male patrons, faced closure due to an anti-discrimination case.

Instead of compliance, unstoppable Kaechele led a convoy of 70 women in her latest court appearance in September, all wearing power suits and pearls, ultimately winning the court battle to reopen the Ladies Lounge.

Artist and Mona curator Kirsha Kaechele has admitted she has faked three Picasso paintings hanging in the museum for the past three years. Picture: Mona

In her interview with marie claire, Kaechele said excluding men from the Ladies Lounge was always the point of the artwork, as it mirrors the experience women face and have faced in society.

“What I’m most proud of is sparking peaceful debate at such a divisive time,” she said.

“It’s easy to take sides, but listening with an open heart is truly beautiful.

“And it’s been fantastic to completely f-----g overthrow the patriarchy.”

Kaechele’s advice to aspiring creatives?

“Don’t worry about impostor syndrome, we all have it, big deal. Just do it anyway,” she said.

“Follow your joy, have fun, take the p--s. Dream, and then just witness and allow them to come true.

Kirsha Kaechele after the decision. Mona ladies lounge appeal verdict at the Supreme Court of Tasmania in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Remember, we’re all going to die, so have a good time!”

Kaechele is joined by 11 other incredible women who have inspired, agitated, championed for change, and blazed trails this year.

marie claire editor Georgie McCourt said the awards celebrate the game-changing Australians who are challenging norms and striving to build a brighter future.

“The marie claire Women of the Year awards celebrate exceptional women doing extraordinary work,” she said.

“As leaders in their chosen fields, these game-changers are leading with courage and rejecting the status quo in order to build a brighter future for our next generation.”

The full list of winners:

Creative of the Year – Kirsha Kaechele

Entertainer of the Year – Celeste Barber and Asher Keddie (joint)

Powerhouse of the Year – Jennifer Robinson and Sam Mostyn AO (joint)

Icon of the Year – Emma McKeon

Champion of the Year – Saya Sakakibara

Designer of the Year – Liandra Gaykamangu

Changemaker of the Year – Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts

Eco-warrior of the Year – Emma Johnston

Advocate of the Year – Sarah Williams

Voice of Now – Lucia Osborne-Crowley