Women's right, equality and representation are a subject of ongoing debate/battle for many generations including both the mid and postmodern eras. Views were and are different towards women depending on culture, era and location, but generally in Western culture in the 1900s and earlier, women were thought of as less than, undervalued, incapable or just weaker and representation in the art world was lacking. For centuries women have been fighting back against these stigmas with a huge surge in the 60, 70 and 80's in America with the Women's Rights Movement.
Artists joined and often lead the movement through music, print, speech, film, sculpture and paint. Below are chosen artistic pieces that were created and used to further educate and advance the rights of women not only in western culture but worldwide. Often the subject matter is a bit harsh (if that is the right word) and not always tasteful or elegant, but sometimes in order to get attention one has to be loud and demand the attention. Several pieces below do just that.
Judy Chicago is a popular feminist artist in America who displayed the above piece in 1979 in mixed media. The installation is a set dinner table for 39 women who have made or been instrumental in history. Names such as Susan B. Anthony, Georgia O'Keeffe and Sacajawea have a place setting at the table where each plate is handmade in a different representation of women's genitalia (definitely attention getting!). Below the table are 998 triangular tiles with the names of women of history on them. It received mixed reviews with some very harsh critisicims of the work, though the piece went on to travel to six countries and three continents. While I am a fan of the idea behind the installation, I am not thrilled at the plates. Women deserve a place at the table, a beautiful honored place, I personally would like that due to my mind, thoughts, character and personality rather than an emphesis on a part of my body. Again though, sometimes drastic actions are required to get attention.
Mary Beth Edelson was a friend, female artist pioneer and advocate alongside Judy Chicago. Her work above is a reference to Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper with the faces of the original men replaced with women of note. Georgia O'Keeffe is center over the face of Jesus with the faces of Yoko Ono, Alma Thomas and Lila Katzen some of ones replacing the disciples (Judas remains a man, Ha!). Edelson did similar pieces advocating for women's rights and equality in other works such as Death of Patriarchy with women of note surrounding a male body labeled "patriarchy". Again, this piece is a reproduction of Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson with the men's faces replaced with women of history. Personally I am not a fan, though it is said that Edelson had a sense of humor which I do think is part of her art in these pieces. Altering da Vinci or Rembrandt does take a bit of courage and humor!
Your Body is a Battleground, Barbara Kruger, 1989
Barbara Kruger became known in the 70's for her signature black, white and red media art. She often used a black and white photograph and added bold poignant text challenging the reader in thought and action. Her graphic designs became iconic of the feminist movement. The above piece was created for the 1989 Women's March on Washington in support of legal abortion. Kruger's work is one that I appreciate. She has a consistent theme and message that causes thought and discussion. Her art is simple and yet still loud with a timeless feel to them though the black and white background. The message becomes the focal point.
Lila Katzen did not use her work in such a brazen feminist manor but that did not stop her from being an outspoken advocate against sexual discrimination and the lack of female representation in the art world. A sculpture artist, her chosen medium is light and metal with which she creates smooth, flowing figures that change look and feel as the light shifts and moves. Her sculptures are fluid and graceful. I see them as a tribute to those same attributes of women while using the strong bold metal medium built with strength, also much like women.
Aqua Libra, 1992
Pinkney, 1978
Art is so personal in both the creating and viewing of. It truly is a reflection of the creator so when you as a person are diminished or quieted just for being of a certain sex or ill represented in a culture due to race or gender, it is devastating. Women have fought long and hard for equality, representation and respect in many areas of society including art. The methods were not always ideal, but noise was created and a message seen. It has taken hundreds, if not thousands, of years for women to be where they are today with the opportunities they deserve and skills finally shown and acknowledged. The years of the premodern time set the stage for the overwhelming advancement of women in the arts in the postmodern era.
Hi Lily, I found your pieces very appealing and interesting, I enjoy your magazine cover theme. I think the black and white background with the contrasting red really makes the canvas pop and makes the message loud and clear. I found the Last Supper piece interesting as I don't find a clear connection the two pieces have in common, one being about faith and the other about women's rights.
I loved the Last Supper piece! I can only imagine the outrage it caused from religious zealots and men of the time. It seems like art and music were the platform for many without voices to be heard and get attention. Almost equivalent to the social media of today. All the works you presented I describe as BOLD. The black and white contrast, the inverted face colors, the iconic Last Supper altered, all send a message and stand out. In addition to the art world, it seemed like women were also making a name in literature during this time as well. Ayn Rands popular book Atlas Shrugged came out in the late fifties.
Hi Lily! Great post ! I love the concept that you went with for these blog subject. As women it is sad to think about what we had to do to get to where we are right now. I like how you did exhibits, sculptures and paintings. I really enjoyed your first piece that you chose as the concept was very appealing but not at the same time. I do agree that it wouldnt be first choice to display a womens body part, but then again I do agree of your reasoning. Drastic actions are needed to create noise. Your choice on womens fighting for their "place at the table" was very eyeopening as I saw textures within scupltures, and pieces created with inspiration of famous pieces. You definitely ticked the boxes of finding pieces not only in the mid/post modern times but found an amazing theme for it. Its crazy how the elements of art were used very much, but within time it has condensed in some ways. For instance Krugers pieces were such a style for a moment, as that pop art was used a lot ! The contrasting colors and the linework!
My name is Lillian. I am a born and bred Alaskan who calls this home but can't wait to leave come January and February. Sadly, I do not appreciate the cold and dark. Summer is my time of year. The blessing of abundance we have here is unmatched and I try to utilize all that we have by filling the freezer with meat and fish, garden veggies and gallons and gallons of blueberries. No, I will not tell you where my secret spot is. I believe art surrounds everything we do, from how dinner is served to the clothing we wear to conversations at work. Art is the expression of how we live and the joy in seeing the beauty in it. Art is such a large word. It encorporates setting, feeling, relationship, conversation, structure and vision. No, I am not a "traditional" artist. I cannot draw worth beans. I don't write, definately do not paint and by no means am I any sort of art critic or interpretor or really have any knowledge of art hi...
Our Lady of the Rockies - The fourth largest statue in the United States, sits atop the Continental Divide overlooking Butte, Montana. She is created in the likeness of Mary, mother of Jesus, dedicated to mothers everywhere, and inspired and designed by Bob O'Bill as a tribute to his thankfulness and gratitude when his wife survived her battle with cancer. The statue stands 90ft tall at an elevation of 8,500 ft above sea level. She is lit in the evening year-round and so is able to be seen day and night. Mainly a huge community funded project, construction began in 1979 and the finished statue was unveiled in 1985. Of course, controversy has surrounded her since conception - cost and a forced religious aspect on an entire community were/are part of the controversy. Yet she still stands. Her stark white contrast to the natural surrounding colors makes her stand out in the "Big Sky Country" of Montana...
Hi Lily,
ReplyDeleteI found your pieces very appealing and interesting, I enjoy your magazine cover theme. I think the black and white background with the contrasting red really makes the canvas pop and makes the message loud and clear. I found the Last Supper piece interesting as I don't find a clear connection the two pieces have in common, one being about faith and the other about women's rights.
I loved the Last Supper piece! I can only imagine the outrage it caused from religious zealots and men of the time. It seems like art and music were the platform for many without voices to be heard and get attention. Almost equivalent to the social media of today. All the works you presented I describe as BOLD. The black and white contrast, the inverted face colors, the iconic Last Supper altered, all send a message and stand out. In addition to the art world, it seemed like women were also making a name in literature during this time as well. Ayn Rands popular book Atlas Shrugged came out in the late fifties.
ReplyDeleteHi Lily! Great post ! I love the concept that you went with for these blog subject. As women it is sad to think about what we had to do to get to where we are right now. I like how you did exhibits, sculptures and paintings. I really enjoyed your first piece that you chose as the concept was very appealing but not at the same time. I do agree that it wouldnt be first choice to display a womens body part, but then again I do agree of your reasoning. Drastic actions are needed to create noise. Your choice on womens fighting for their "place at the table" was very eyeopening as I saw textures within scupltures, and pieces created with inspiration of famous pieces. You definitely ticked the boxes of finding pieces not only in the mid/post modern times but found an amazing theme for it. Its crazy how the elements of art were used very much, but within time it has condensed in some ways. For instance Krugers pieces were such a style for a moment, as that pop art was used a lot ! The contrasting colors and the linework!
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