Cultural studies methodology of gender analysis of works of fine art (on the example of the story "Judith and Holofernes" in European painting)

The purpose of the Article. Based on the generalized object of gender research as the interaction of men and women in society, to test the cultural studies methodology of gender analysis of works of fine art on the example of the story "Judith and Holofernes" in European painting. The methodology consists of a combination of a number of general theoretical: analysis and synthesis – and special methods of scientific research: chronological, problem-chronological, historical-comparative, iconological, iconographic methods, method of formal-stylistic analysis, method of semantic analysis of visual series, and biographical and retrospective methods. The principle of psychoanalytic interpretation of art as a form of sublimation of the subconscious was taken into account. Scientific novelty. The study allows gaining new knowledge about the specifics of gender analysis in the field of art history and the application of its cultural studies methodology to the analysis of works of fine art. Conclusions. Applying the described methodology of analysis to the paintings on the gender-relevant plot "Judith and Holofernes", created by women artists and male artists, allowed us to conclude: 1) in quantitative terms, paintings by men are an order of magnitude higher than paintings by women artists; 2) with the exception of two paintings by Artemisia Gentileschi, whose composition is determined not only by an example of a similar painting by Caravaggio but also by dramatic events in the artist's life, the composition is based on the post-factum principle, 3) among the paintings by male artists stands out a quantitatively significant group of works in which, starting with "Judith" by Giorgione, there is an eroticization of the image of the protagonist, thus objectifying the erotic fantasies and desires of men; 4) in parallel with eroticism, thanatological objectification is formed: "eroticized death" (R. W. Whalen) and men's subconscious fear of "women's power". Keywords: cultural studies methodology of gender analysis, painting, European painting, "Judith and Holofernes", Artemisia Gentileschi, Elisabetta Sirani, Fede Galizia, Virginia Vezzo, eroticization of the image, thanatological objectification, gender-relevant plots.

Embroidery and Textiles: A Novel Perspective on Women Artists’ Art Practice

The manuscript focuses on the autobiographical artistic practice of women artists and feminist expression in visual art, particularly those women artists who use embroidery and textiles as mediums, techniques, processes, styles, subjects, and themes. Women artists often use a variety of unique materials and techniques to create artwork which are primarily related to them and show a feminist identity. The research explores the mediums, tools and techniques applied by women artists in their artworks and the reasons behind choosing that particular medium and methods. In addition, women artists when, where, and how these diverse creation strategies have been adopted and developed over time are examined and analysed with the help of earlier literature, articles, research papers, art exhibitions, and artworks created by women artists. This manuscript discusses the chronological development of embroidery and textiles in the context of women’s art practice, the efforts and achievements of the “Feminist Art Movement” and the cause and concept of “Entangled: Threads & Making”, a contemporary woman artist art exhibition at Turner. Embroidery and textiles are associated with women’s art practice; women artists used embroidery, needlework, and textiles as a powerful symbolic medium of expression and resistance against the male-dominated art society. They began to use feminist expressions, forms, and materials to present their new characteristics. Women artists use embroidery, textiles and needlework as feminist traditional materials and techniques, and continue to struggle to blend them with other new contemporary mediums.

Constituting the 'Woman Artist': A Feminist Genealogy of Aotearoa New Zealand's Art History 1928 - 1989

<p>This thesis considers the ways in which the figure of the ‘woman artist’ has been constituted in published sources in Aotearoa New Zealand’s art history, between 1928 and 1989. Most of the texts dedicated specifically to women artists in this country were written in the latter half of the twentieth century, and were produced with the intention of writing women artists back in to the histories from which they had been excluded. This thesis operates from a different perspective. Rather than assuming a starting point of women’s absence from a national art history, it traces instead those written representations of the ‘woman artist’ as they exist in the published literature. Through the construction of a genealogy of such representation, this thesis examines the ideologies which are both embedded in, and perpetuated by them. In doing so it makes evident and interrogates the gendered power dynamics which have shaped the writing of Aotearoa New Zealand’s art history. This thesis is structured chronologically, charting the formation and expansion of a coherent national arts discourse against shifting notions of national and cultural identity. The trajectory of this discourse was shaped by a canonical impulse, constructing an unfolding narrative which centres upon a succession of key artistic figures. This thesis argues that the structuring of this – largely male, Pākehā – narrative, acted to subsume gendered difference, rendering women increasingly peripheral within its pages. The model of subsumed difference is also apparent in feminist critiques of this dominant art history, which are critically interrogated in the latter half of this thesis. As women sought to challenge the relative exclusion of women artists from this dominant narrative, they also perpetuated their own exclusions, often in terms of culture or sexuality. Through discursive analysis of both ‘mainstream’ art history, and the feminist writings which addressed it, this thesis presents two significant arguments. First, that stereotypical representations of women artists play a structural role – to marginalise women – within Aotearoa New Zealand’s art history. Secondly, that feminist interrogations of such histories failed to account for the multiplicity of women’s subjectivity. I conclude by instantiating and calling for an alternative approach that challenges the subsuming of such difference within a single, homogenous narrative. Such an approach will produce histories that interrogate, rather than perpetuate, the gendered and cultural power dynamics embedded within society.</p>

Constituting the 'Woman Artist': A Feminist Genealogy of Aotearoa New Zealand's Art History 1928 - 1989

<p>This thesis considers the ways in which the figure of the ‘woman artist’ has been constituted in published sources in Aotearoa New Zealand’s art history, between 1928 and 1989. Most of the texts dedicated specifically to women artists in this country were written in the latter half of the twentieth century, and were produced with the intention of writing women artists back in to the histories from which they had been excluded. This thesis operates from a different perspective. Rather than assuming a starting point of women’s absence from a national art history, it traces instead those written representations of the ‘woman artist’ as they exist in the published literature. Through the construction of a genealogy of such representation, this thesis examines the ideologies which are both embedded in, and perpetuated by them. In doing so it makes evident and interrogates the gendered power dynamics which have shaped the writing of Aotearoa New Zealand’s art history. This thesis is structured chronologically, charting the formation and expansion of a coherent national arts discourse against shifting notions of national and cultural identity. The trajectory of this discourse was shaped by a canonical impulse, constructing an unfolding narrative which centres upon a succession of key artistic figures. This thesis argues that the structuring of this – largely male, Pākehā – narrative, acted to subsume gendered difference, rendering women increasingly peripheral within its pages. The model of subsumed difference is also apparent in feminist critiques of this dominant art history, which are critically interrogated in the latter half of this thesis. As women sought to challenge the relative exclusion of women artists from this dominant narrative, they also perpetuated their own exclusions, often in terms of culture or sexuality. Through discursive analysis of both ‘mainstream’ art history, and the feminist writings which addressed it, this thesis presents two significant arguments. First, that stereotypical representations of women artists play a structural role – to marginalise women – within Aotearoa New Zealand’s art history. Secondly, that feminist interrogations of such histories failed to account for the multiplicity of women’s subjectivity. I conclude by instantiating and calling for an alternative approach that challenges the subsuming of such difference within a single, homogenous narrative. Such an approach will produce histories that interrogate, rather than perpetuate, the gendered and cultural power dynamics embedded within society.</p>

A Critique of Marriage Within China Through The Lens of Feminism

<p>Within the traditional patriarchal ideology in China, feminism is gradually being accepted by the Chinese, especially Chinese women, and has brought benefits to women’s liberation today. However, inequality between men and women still exists. There is growing popularity among Chinese women artists to use their artistic status as their weapon to actively and effectively communicate the ideologies of feminism. However, their expression of feminism still mostly manifests through traditional artistic mediums. My research focuses on how wearable technology can depict and criticize gender inequality in Chinese marriage, and promote feminism. The garment design development is based on the results of a study I conducted about the perception of marriage equality in China, which revealed several areas of inequality in marriage. The final garment is designed for presentation, where movement and audience interaction are considered to enhance the opportunities of wearable technology to best communicate aspects of marriage inequality in China. My design research realises how ideologies of feminism, specifically marriage equality in China, might be advocated for through the design of contemporary garments and wearable technology.</p>

A Critique of Marriage Within China Through The Lens of Feminism

<p>Within the traditional patriarchal ideology in China, feminism is gradually being accepted by the Chinese, especially Chinese women, and has brought benefits to women’s liberation today. However, inequality between men and women still exists. There is growing popularity among Chinese women artists to use their artistic status as their weapon to actively and effectively communicate the ideologies of feminism. However, their expression of feminism still mostly manifests through traditional artistic mediums. My research focuses on how wearable technology can depict and criticize gender inequality in Chinese marriage, and promote feminism. The garment design development is based on the results of a study I conducted about the perception of marriage equality in China, which revealed several areas of inequality in marriage. The final garment is designed for presentation, where movement and audience interaction are considered to enhance the opportunities of wearable technology to best communicate aspects of marriage inequality in China. My design research realises how ideologies of feminism, specifically marriage equality in China, might be advocated for through the design of contemporary garments and wearable technology.</p>

From Print to Digital: Reappropriation of the Ready-Made Image in Works of Margit Sielska and Weronika Gęsicka

between print and digital photomontage practices through theworks of two women artists, Margit Sielska (1900-1980) and Weronika Gęsicka (1984-),addressingthe way these lesser-known, non-Anglophone artists reveal a continuity ofinterests across time. Changes in technology have allowed the cut and pastetechnique of photomontage to evolve from the use of scissors and glue to the useof software. Byreappropriating and manipulating the ready-made image of women andstereotypical family life from printed and photographic materials, both artistschallenge assumptions about a woman’s role in society while constructing newsettings and realities for their subjects to occupy. In both instances, thecombinatory process of montage serves to question and disrupt traditional andnormative representations of women and domesticity. By drawing on theparallels between artworks made with different techniques but deriving from theshared creative process of appropriating and manipulating the ready-made imageto create new, unexpected situations, the article reveals a continuity betweencertain modernist practices and contemporary digital culture.&nbsp;