As you know, I had to miss class yesterday because I wasn't feeling well. I don't like missing class, obviously, but if there was a suitable class to miss, it was yesterday's because it allowed you all to work more on your project. If you have any questions for me to answer about your project, ask me here as a comment.
I had wanted to spend some time thinking about the differences (if any) in global and local art. What are the impacts of globalization on art? Are local cultures in tension with forces of globalization? How do we access new media, like the Internet and YouTube, which can both suppress local culture but also showcase certain examples of that local culture. The Internet and downloading technologies have enabled me, at least, to access a wider variety of art -- music, music videos, television shows, movies -- than I would normally be exposed to. How does this relate to some of the issues presented in New Creative Community?
I welcome some of your responses to these questions. But even if you don't answer, you should know that we will be spending more and more time in our discussion group discussing the assigned readings for class. This means that you will need to carefully read our course syllabus and keep up with the reading to participate in class discussions! Hopefully our pre-class assignments will also prepare you for discussions as well.
Remember: you must turn in your grade book by March 4 to receive credit for completing it. I would suggest doing this sooner rather than later so that you don't forget about it.
February 27, 2008
February 26, 2008
Flier
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V TO THE TENTH
Saturday April 12, 2008
7:30 P.M.
New Orleans Arena
Tickets available at tickemaster.com
More Info available at v10.vday.org
Featuring: Salma Hayek, Oprah Winfrey, Faith Hill, Jane Fonda, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Hudson, and many more influential activists.
*Feminism*
a set of ideals that form a nucleus of thought that have certain common goals from which several movements can spring. These goals can include but are not limited to the promotion of an environment where both males and females represent society in an equal capacity. Neither gender is seen as superior but work collaboratively together towards a common goal and that rights guaranteed to citizens need to be extended to females in a sense that the world they live in should be positive and provide a sense of comfort. Whether it be political rights, abortion, or the pay of a job women should be able to communicate their feelings to the general public and make a difference within communities. While feminism mentions equality it does not mean anti male!
V TO THE TENTH
Saturday April 12, 2008
7:30 P.M.
New Orleans Arena
Tickets available at tickemaster.com
More Info available at v10.vday.org
Featuring: Salma Hayek, Oprah Winfrey, Faith Hill, Jane Fonda, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Hudson, and many more influential activists.
*Feminism*
a set of ideals that form a nucleus of thought that have certain common goals from which several movements can spring. These goals can include but are not limited to the promotion of an environment where both males and females represent society in an equal capacity. Neither gender is seen as superior but work collaboratively together towards a common goal and that rights guaranteed to citizens need to be extended to females in a sense that the world they live in should be positive and provide a sense of comfort. Whether it be political rights, abortion, or the pay of a job women should be able to communicate their feelings to the general public and make a difference within communities. While feminism mentions equality it does not mean anti male!
V To The Tenth
Here's the link to the V to The Tenth stuff.
Event Information (the when and where):
http://v10.vday.org/anniversary-events/arena
Main Site:
http://v10.vday.org/
Reason (the why):
http://v10.vday.org/anniversary-events/why-new-orleans
For the pure artistic value of it, here's the image at the front of the site. It has several hues of pink that would work very well together on the flier (pay attention to the bottom of the image):
http://v10.vday.org/sites/default/themes/v10/images/marquee-noflash.jpg
February 23, 2008
My Museum Paper!!
Alicia Vickerie
WMST- 250
February 09, 2008
My Assumptions and Experiences of Feminism
Over the course of the past week, I’ve been visiting several museums in Washington D.C. The purpose of this assignment was for me to grasp an understanding of the real definition of feminism. A concept that I wasn’t too familiar with until actually visiting the museums. Feminism to me was never really interesting until my counselor presented the course to me while I was signing up for my spring classes. However, little did I know that what I would be getting myself into would almost change my outlook on not only my life, but the lives of women in this country as well as several other countries.
Before visiting the museums my perception of the term feminism was extremely narrow minded. When I thought of the concept women such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Madame C.J. Walker all came to mind. I pictured women protesting verbally all over our country in the 1920’s. I never really heard much about feminism. All throughout my middle, high school, and up until last summer here at the University of Maryland I took history courses. Last summer I took History 157 and our lecture about women fighting to make a difference and gain equal rights lasted only a mere 10 minutes. Surprisingly our teacher was a woman in her early fifties and she had very little to say about feminism. I actually don’t even remember her mentioning the word “feminism”. So my biggest question to myself before I went out to my first museum was, why isn’t feminism a widely taught term in schools today like the great World Wars and the Civil Rights Movement are? I was excited but still yet a little nervous about what would come at the first museum I went to visit.
My first museum visit was the National Museum of Women in the Arts. My assumptions were that this museum would be filled only with statues of the women in America who have fought for equal rights between women and men. However, I was terribly wrong because as I walked throughout the museum I noticed so many beautiful paintings painted by incredible women in history not only from America, but all parts of the world. While visiting the Permanent Collection, I witnessed the most amazing paintings such as The Highland Raid, 1860 and Sheep by the Sea, 1865 painted by Rosa Bonheur who was most famous in the nineteenth century and recognized for being the foremost “animalier” or animal painter. I also saw paintings from Antoinette- Cecile- Hortnese- Haudebourt- Lescot, who painted the painting Young Woman Seated in the Shade of a Tree, 1830.
What I found interesting as I visited the Permanent Collection, were the paintings of the 1970’s. These paintings were the extreme opposite of the earlier dated paintings. The difference was that the painters from the earlier centuries used more contemporary colors within their art work. In contrast, painters from the 1970’s used more of a variety of vibrant colors in their art work. An example of these paintings and their artists is an interesting painting called Fresno Fan: Flesh Fan, 1971. This painting was painted by the artist Judy Chicago, whose paintings consist of weird colorful blocks. Other paintings that were constructed during the 70’s consisted of humans that are painted in the nude. One example is a painting that I found to be very mysterious. The painting is called An Adventure at Sea, 1977. This painting is by Dotty Attie who was famous for painting in comic- strip like rows. This particular painting is of a nude painting of a boy named Pierre as he experiments with a mysterious and unnamed object during a sea voyage.
While at the museum I was curious to know why the paintings of the 1970’s were more vibrant than that of the earlier times, so I asked someone who worked in the museum and she told me that the art in the 1970’s reflected the dramatic political and cultural shifts that were occurring world- wide. She said that feminists artists protested the unequal representation of women in their art work. This information was interesting to me because I found it amazing that these artists could actually make a difference and protest by using their talent to send out a message to the rest of the world. It was then that I realized that these feminist women painted what they were actually going through at the moments in their lives.
The next museum that I visited was the National Museum of the American Indian. Before I went to this museum I had very little to no assumptions at all. I didn’t know what to expect. So I thought again about what I’ve learned in high school about the America Indians. I remembered being taught about the struggles they had to go through when the Europeans came to America. I also remembered learning that they were basically kicked out of what they called home and were forced to live on reservations. So before going to this museum I expected that there would be some type of art work that displayed what the early American Indians had to struggle with.
When I first walked through this museum all I could think of was, why? Why did they go through what they went through? I found that this museum entirely different from the National Museum of Women in the Arts. This museum had less paintings and more actual examples of the Indian artifacts. They had examples of handmade clothing, shoes, and weapons that were all made from actual Indian tribes. By the end of my visit, I made the conclusion that this museum was less of a feminist museum, and more of a American Indian cultural museum. I found it interesting but less exciting that the National Museum of Women in the Arts museum. That is because it barely answered my questions of feminism and answered more questions related to the early Indian culture. Although it was less exciting I took pictures of some things that caught my eye. One thing was the hand-crafted dresses that were displayed throughout the museum. I learned that Native American women passes down artistic, spiritual, and historical knowledge from one generation to the next through dress design. This was interesting to me because it is another example of how women used their talent to pass on information.
Visiting these museums enlightened my thoughts of feminism and what it means to be a feminist. I am anxious to learn more throughout this semester about the history of feminism, and about those women who used their talent through art, crafts, or anything else which I might find unusual to make a difference in our society today. Although I wasn’t interested in Women’s Studies initially, I think I might grow to like the idea of femininity through art.
Alicia Vickerie
WMST 250
February 9, 2008
List of Assumptions Before Visiting a Museum
National Museum of Women in the Arts:
I assumed that I would see statues of famous women who tried to make a difference
I assumed that I would see pictures of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, or Madame C.J. Walker
I assumed that no men would be working at this museum
I assumed that this museum would be free
I assumed that there would be no paintings just statues of famous people
I assumed that if there were paintings, then there would only be paintings which I wouldn’t be able to interpret. For example, paintings of random lines and/ or blocks of some sort
I assumed that this would be a huge museum with many levels
I assumed that there would be a woman that would be waiting to guide me around the museum
I assumed that there would be many nude statues of women all over the museum
National Museum of the American Indian:
I assumed that there would be paintings of Native Americans all over the wall
I assumed that there would be information about the American- Indian war
I assumed that there would be information about the struggles that the early Native Americans went through with Europeans
I assumed that this museum would not be free
I assumed that this museum was no where near the capital building
I assumed that this museum would have a lot of information on feminism
I assumed that there would mostly be Native Americans visiting this museum
I assumed that I wouldn’t have to do a security check
Holocaust Museum:
I assumed that there would be some information about women
I assumed that there wouldn’t only be pictures of Jews in the concentration camp, but other races as well
I assumed that this museum would be small
I assumed that many people wouldn’t be there during a weekday
National Museum of African Art:
I assumed that I would have to pay for this museum
I assumed it would be a big building
I assumed that there wouldn’t be any nude art work
I assumed that it would be an African- American based museum instead of an African museum
I assumed that this museum would have something related to the feminist movement
WMST- 250
February 09, 2008
My Assumptions and Experiences of Feminism
Over the course of the past week, I’ve been visiting several museums in Washington D.C. The purpose of this assignment was for me to grasp an understanding of the real definition of feminism. A concept that I wasn’t too familiar with until actually visiting the museums. Feminism to me was never really interesting until my counselor presented the course to me while I was signing up for my spring classes. However, little did I know that what I would be getting myself into would almost change my outlook on not only my life, but the lives of women in this country as well as several other countries.
Before visiting the museums my perception of the term feminism was extremely narrow minded. When I thought of the concept women such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Madame C.J. Walker all came to mind. I pictured women protesting verbally all over our country in the 1920’s. I never really heard much about feminism. All throughout my middle, high school, and up until last summer here at the University of Maryland I took history courses. Last summer I took History 157 and our lecture about women fighting to make a difference and gain equal rights lasted only a mere 10 minutes. Surprisingly our teacher was a woman in her early fifties and she had very little to say about feminism. I actually don’t even remember her mentioning the word “feminism”. So my biggest question to myself before I went out to my first museum was, why isn’t feminism a widely taught term in schools today like the great World Wars and the Civil Rights Movement are? I was excited but still yet a little nervous about what would come at the first museum I went to visit.
My first museum visit was the National Museum of Women in the Arts. My assumptions were that this museum would be filled only with statues of the women in America who have fought for equal rights between women and men. However, I was terribly wrong because as I walked throughout the museum I noticed so many beautiful paintings painted by incredible women in history not only from America, but all parts of the world. While visiting the Permanent Collection, I witnessed the most amazing paintings such as The Highland Raid, 1860 and Sheep by the Sea, 1865 painted by Rosa Bonheur who was most famous in the nineteenth century and recognized for being the foremost “animalier” or animal painter. I also saw paintings from Antoinette- Cecile- Hortnese- Haudebourt- Lescot, who painted the painting Young Woman Seated in the Shade of a Tree, 1830.
What I found interesting as I visited the Permanent Collection, were the paintings of the 1970’s. These paintings were the extreme opposite of the earlier dated paintings. The difference was that the painters from the earlier centuries used more contemporary colors within their art work. In contrast, painters from the 1970’s used more of a variety of vibrant colors in their art work. An example of these paintings and their artists is an interesting painting called Fresno Fan: Flesh Fan, 1971. This painting was painted by the artist Judy Chicago, whose paintings consist of weird colorful blocks. Other paintings that were constructed during the 70’s consisted of humans that are painted in the nude. One example is a painting that I found to be very mysterious. The painting is called An Adventure at Sea, 1977. This painting is by Dotty Attie who was famous for painting in comic- strip like rows. This particular painting is of a nude painting of a boy named Pierre as he experiments with a mysterious and unnamed object during a sea voyage.
While at the museum I was curious to know why the paintings of the 1970’s were more vibrant than that of the earlier times, so I asked someone who worked in the museum and she told me that the art in the 1970’s reflected the dramatic political and cultural shifts that were occurring world- wide. She said that feminists artists protested the unequal representation of women in their art work. This information was interesting to me because I found it amazing that these artists could actually make a difference and protest by using their talent to send out a message to the rest of the world. It was then that I realized that these feminist women painted what they were actually going through at the moments in their lives.
The next museum that I visited was the National Museum of the American Indian. Before I went to this museum I had very little to no assumptions at all. I didn’t know what to expect. So I thought again about what I’ve learned in high school about the America Indians. I remembered being taught about the struggles they had to go through when the Europeans came to America. I also remembered learning that they were basically kicked out of what they called home and were forced to live on reservations. So before going to this museum I expected that there would be some type of art work that displayed what the early American Indians had to struggle with.
When I first walked through this museum all I could think of was, why? Why did they go through what they went through? I found that this museum entirely different from the National Museum of Women in the Arts. This museum had less paintings and more actual examples of the Indian artifacts. They had examples of handmade clothing, shoes, and weapons that were all made from actual Indian tribes. By the end of my visit, I made the conclusion that this museum was less of a feminist museum, and more of a American Indian cultural museum. I found it interesting but less exciting that the National Museum of Women in the Arts museum. That is because it barely answered my questions of feminism and answered more questions related to the early Indian culture. Although it was less exciting I took pictures of some things that caught my eye. One thing was the hand-crafted dresses that were displayed throughout the museum. I learned that Native American women passes down artistic, spiritual, and historical knowledge from one generation to the next through dress design. This was interesting to me because it is another example of how women used their talent to pass on information.
Visiting these museums enlightened my thoughts of feminism and what it means to be a feminist. I am anxious to learn more throughout this semester about the history of feminism, and about those women who used their talent through art, crafts, or anything else which I might find unusual to make a difference in our society today. Although I wasn’t interested in Women’s Studies initially, I think I might grow to like the idea of femininity through art.
Alicia Vickerie
WMST 250
February 9, 2008
List of Assumptions Before Visiting a Museum
National Museum of Women in the Arts:
I assumed that I would see statues of famous women who tried to make a difference
I assumed that I would see pictures of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, or Madame C.J. Walker
I assumed that no men would be working at this museum
I assumed that this museum would be free
I assumed that there would be no paintings just statues of famous people
I assumed that if there were paintings, then there would only be paintings which I wouldn’t be able to interpret. For example, paintings of random lines and/ or blocks of some sort
I assumed that this would be a huge museum with many levels
I assumed that there would be a woman that would be waiting to guide me around the museum
I assumed that there would be many nude statues of women all over the museum
National Museum of the American Indian:
I assumed that there would be paintings of Native Americans all over the wall
I assumed that there would be information about the American- Indian war
I assumed that there would be information about the struggles that the early Native Americans went through with Europeans
I assumed that this museum would not be free
I assumed that this museum was no where near the capital building
I assumed that this museum would have a lot of information on feminism
I assumed that there would mostly be Native Americans visiting this museum
I assumed that I wouldn’t have to do a security check
Holocaust Museum:
I assumed that there would be some information about women
I assumed that there wouldn’t only be pictures of Jews in the concentration camp, but other races as well
I assumed that this museum would be small
I assumed that many people wouldn’t be there during a weekday
National Museum of African Art:
I assumed that I would have to pay for this museum
I assumed it would be a big building
I assumed that there wouldn’t be any nude art work
I assumed that it would be an African- American based museum instead of an African museum
I assumed that this museum would have something related to the feminist movement
February 21, 2008
Assignment 1 - Mahta
Feminism can have various definitions for different types of people. Feminism here in the
I believe The National Museum of Women and the Arts (WA) and The Daughters of the American Revolution Museum (DAR) to be feminist museums for their apparent efforts in empowerment of women in the arts and women’s national recognition. It was shocking to see that a feminist institution such as the WA started with a single still life painting of fish and cat which has no feminist messages embedded into it; but this fact itself shows the growth and improvement of the feminist movement from 1981 when the museum was found until today. Currently this museum exhibits art by women from various parts of the world. These pieces of art certainly express the feelings of women who felt suppressed due to unequal treatment of women and men in their cultures at their time. An example of these activist pieces is present in the museum’s permanent collection; it is a painting called “Wonderful You, 1995” by Alison Saar. In this painting Alison has painted her face on famous characters of the twentieth century such as Mickey Mouse, Superman, Clown, Snowman, as well as onto to significant male figures of history such as Buddha and St. Sebastian. This piece of art expresses Alison’s frustration with almost all societies’ obsession with characterizing popular, powerful symbolic, cultural characters as males. This and many other pieces presented in the WA museum are proof of this organizations dedication to the feminism movement. I was amazed to see the feminist messages that each of the pieces expressed, because before going to the museum I was under the impression that I would just see works of art done by women. I was ready to see beautiful landscapes and pretty colored flowers and such, but when I walked through the permanent collection I only saw portraits of women, and angry paintings of suffering women who needed a way to express their frustrations. This amazed me! The DAR museum gave me the same impression as the WA. DAR held many exhibitions that empowered women and their contributions to
The most appalling observation I made through my tour of the
Through my observations of the rest of the museums that I visited last week, I did not notice anything unexpected. The Hirshhorn, The U.S. Holocaust, and The National Museum of the American Indian all seemed very indifferent to the subject of feminism. While some women might walk through the “Remember the children: Daniel’s Story” at the Holocaust museum and argue why the museum decided to use Daniel’s story rather than Anne Frank’s famous diary and story, I believe that the exhibition had a purely educational goal and told the story of a family rather than just a boy. I enjoyed the exhibition and was not at all bothered by the fact that a boy told the story. Overall these three museums contained art work by both male and female artists. None of the work I viewed at these museums seemed to convey a political message relating to the feminist movement.
This experience definitely opened my eyes to the role of art in today’s society. I’m appreciative of the opportunity that enabled me to revisit these museums and look at the art in them through a feminist lens. It certainly was an interesting experience.
February 20, 2008
Feminism Artist
One of my favorite artisits growing up was Martina McBride whom is a county singer and mostly all of her songs speak of women and the struggles in which they face from domestic violence to growing to work and even taking care of children. Her music is influential to all ages and the underlying messages in the songs speak strongly! The following video is one of her more popular songs.
Happy Girl
I used to live ina darkened roomHad aface of stoneAnd a hert of gloomLost my hope, I was so far goneCryin' all my tearsWith the curtains drawnI didn't know until my soul broke freeI've got these angels watching over me
CHORUS
Oh watch me goI'm a happy girlEverybody knowsThat the sweetest thing you'll ever seeIn the whole wide worldIs a happy girlI used to hide in a party crowdBottled up insideFeeling so left outStanding in a corner wearing concrete shoesWith my frozen smileAnd my lighted fuseNow every time I start to feel like thatI roll out my heart like a welcom mat
REPEAT CHORUS
Laugh when I feel like itCry when i feel like itThat's just how my life isThat's how it goesOh watch me goI'm a happy girlAnd I've come to knowThat the world won't changeJust 'cause I complainLet the axis twirlI'm a happy girl
REPEAT CHORUS
Oh, yeah Oh, yeahI'm a happy girl
Happy Girl
I used to live ina darkened roomHad aface of stoneAnd a hert of gloomLost my hope, I was so far goneCryin' all my tearsWith the curtains drawnI didn't know until my soul broke freeI've got these angels watching over me
CHORUS
Oh watch me goI'm a happy girlEverybody knowsThat the sweetest thing you'll ever seeIn the whole wide worldIs a happy girlI used to hide in a party crowdBottled up insideFeeling so left outStanding in a corner wearing concrete shoesWith my frozen smileAnd my lighted fuseNow every time I start to feel like thatI roll out my heart like a welcom mat
REPEAT CHORUS
Laugh when I feel like itCry when i feel like itThat's just how my life isThat's how it goesOh watch me goI'm a happy girlAnd I've come to knowThat the world won't changeJust 'cause I complainLet the axis twirlI'm a happy girl
REPEAT CHORUS
Oh, yeah Oh, yeahI'm a happy girl
Discussion Section Nuts 'n' Bolts
Just to recap what we discussed and collectively agreed to in class yesterday:
Late Submissions
Pending an unavoidable emergency, which will be handled on a case-by-case basis, we agreed that for every day that someone forgets to post his/her paper to our discussion blog, that paper will be penalized 5% off the total grade. For example, if an assignment is worth 100 points and a student takes 2 days to post his/her paper to our blog, then the maximum points that paper can earn is 90.
You already know that all graded assignments must be posted to our blog by midnight of its due date. So for Assignment 2, if you post your paper on 12:10 am March 5, the 5% deduction will already be in affect. Computer glitches do not count as an excusable emergency, so give yourself enough time to prepare for the worst case scenario!
In-Class Assignments
Because preparing for class discussion is as important as actually showing up to our class, I provide very brief assignments to help facilitate discussion. These assignments can usually be completed within 10-20 minutes. On the sidebar of our blog under "labels," you can find all past and present in-class assignments. There will be one posted a week; if you have any ideas for an in-class assignment, please let me know!
We agreed that each student should complete 9 in-class assignments. You can go back and do older in-class assignments to receive credit for doing them. For yesterday's class, for example, I had asked you to bring in an example of feminist art so that we can begin discussing definitions of "feminism" and get you started on Assignment 2. If you had not brought in and/or posted to our blog an example of feminist art, you can do so for next class.
If you have any other class issues that we should discuss in class, please let me know!
Late Submissions
Pending an unavoidable emergency, which will be handled on a case-by-case basis, we agreed that for every day that someone forgets to post his/her paper to our discussion blog, that paper will be penalized 5% off the total grade. For example, if an assignment is worth 100 points and a student takes 2 days to post his/her paper to our blog, then the maximum points that paper can earn is 90.
You already know that all graded assignments must be posted to our blog by midnight of its due date. So for Assignment 2, if you post your paper on 12:10 am March 5, the 5% deduction will already be in affect. Computer glitches do not count as an excusable emergency, so give yourself enough time to prepare for the worst case scenario!
In-Class Assignments
Because preparing for class discussion is as important as actually showing up to our class, I provide very brief assignments to help facilitate discussion. These assignments can usually be completed within 10-20 minutes. On the sidebar of our blog under "labels," you can find all past and present in-class assignments. There will be one posted a week; if you have any ideas for an in-class assignment, please let me know!
We agreed that each student should complete 9 in-class assignments. You can go back and do older in-class assignments to receive credit for doing them. For yesterday's class, for example, I had asked you to bring in an example of feminist art so that we can begin discussing definitions of "feminism" and get you started on Assignment 2. If you had not brought in and/or posted to our blog an example of feminist art, you can do so for next class.
If you have any other class issues that we should discuss in class, please let me know!
February 19, 2008
Feminist Art Tuesday
Artist Website
Artist MySpace
Naomi Hates Humans is an unknown anti-folk musician who mainly plays in the UK. Her songs cover many topics ranging from political oppression to the death of her grandmother.
This song is about not knowing anything about the world or the future and crushed dreams.
Pipe Dreams And Lullabys
Work, eat, sleep, work, eat, sleep
I had always thought by 24 I'd have some answers
Least one or two but i swear, it's getting harder by the day
A generation of dreamers all waiting for a sign
With pipe dreams and lullabys to help us through the night
We don't have to care about anything it sorts itself out
It's destiny, we'll all make it, we're just waiting for a sign
Everything we do right now, its just temporary
Television told me I'm a winner, I'm just waiting for my time
Kill ourselves with drink and happy thoughts to keep the cold out
As long as no one's looking we don't know that we're getting older by the day
Twenty years ago we all dreamed we could fly by now
How do we explain to ourselves we're still flapping in the wind
I had always thought by 24 I'd have some answers
Least one or two but i swear, it's getting harder by the day
A generation of dreamers all waiting for a sign
With pipe dreams and lullabys to help us through the night
The Vagina Monologues
Alexis talked in class today about the Vagina Monologues, which is an excellent example of feminist activist art. Some history:
Enjoy!
About V-Day
V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual slavery.
Through V-Day campaigns, local volunteers and college students produce annual benefit performances of “The Vagina Monologues” to raise awareness and funds for anti-violence groups within their own communities. In 2008, over 3700 V-Day benefit events are taking place, produced by volunteer activists in the U.S. and around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls.
Performance is just the beginning. V-Day stages large-scale benefits and produces innovative gatherings, films and campaigns to educate and change social attitudes towards violence against women including the documentary Until the Violence Stops; community briefings on the missing and murdered women of Juárez, Mexico; the December 2003 V-Day delegation trip to Israel, Palestine, Egypt and Jordan; the Afghan Women's Summit; the March 2004 delegation to India; the Stop Rape Contest, the Indian Country Project, and Love Your Tree. In June 2006, V-Day launched a two-week festival of theater, spoken word, performance and community events called UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS: NYC which invited thousands of New Yorkers to make New York City the safest place on earth for women and girls. During the two-week festival, UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS: NYC welcomed 2,000 runners in Prospect Park running to demand an end to violence, witnessed 50 actresses and over 100 writers contributing their genius, time and talent to sold out events, and reached millions through media and a citywide subway and bus campaign.
In Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, V-Day commits ongoing support to build movements and anti-violence networks. Working with local organizations, V-Day provided hard-won funding that helped open the first shelters for women in Egypt and Iraq, sponsored annual workshops and three national campaigns in Afghanistan, convened the "Confronting Violence" conference of South Asian women leaders, and donated satellite-phones to Afghan women to keep lines of communication open and action plans moving forward. Through the Karama progam based out of Cairo, V-Day works in-depth to build networks ending violence against women and girls in Egypt, Sudan, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
The V-Day movement is growing at a rapid pace throughout the world, in 120 countries from Europe to Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, and all of North America. V-Day, a non-profit corporation, distributes funds to grassroots, national and international organizations and programs that work to stop violence against women and girls. In 2001, V-Day was named one of Worth Magazine's "100 Best Charities" and in 2006 one of Marie Claire Magazine’s Top Ten Charities. In nine years, the V-Day movement has raised over $50 million.
The 'V' in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina.
(From: www.vday.com)
You can find other examples on Youtube, but here is one brief clip:Through V-Day campaigns, local volunteers and college students produce annual benefit performances of “The Vagina Monologues” to raise awareness and funds for anti-violence groups within their own communities. In 2008, over 3700 V-Day benefit events are taking place, produced by volunteer activists in the U.S. and around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls.
Performance is just the beginning. V-Day stages large-scale benefits and produces innovative gatherings, films and campaigns to educate and change social attitudes towards violence against women including the documentary Until the Violence Stops; community briefings on the missing and murdered women of Juárez, Mexico; the December 2003 V-Day delegation trip to Israel, Palestine, Egypt and Jordan; the Afghan Women's Summit; the March 2004 delegation to India; the Stop Rape Contest, the Indian Country Project, and Love Your Tree. In June 2006, V-Day launched a two-week festival of theater, spoken word, performance and community events called UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS: NYC which invited thousands of New Yorkers to make New York City the safest place on earth for women and girls. During the two-week festival, UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS: NYC welcomed 2,000 runners in Prospect Park running to demand an end to violence, witnessed 50 actresses and over 100 writers contributing their genius, time and talent to sold out events, and reached millions through media and a citywide subway and bus campaign.
In Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, V-Day commits ongoing support to build movements and anti-violence networks. Working with local organizations, V-Day provided hard-won funding that helped open the first shelters for women in Egypt and Iraq, sponsored annual workshops and three national campaigns in Afghanistan, convened the "Confronting Violence" conference of South Asian women leaders, and donated satellite-phones to Afghan women to keep lines of communication open and action plans moving forward. Through the Karama progam based out of Cairo, V-Day works in-depth to build networks ending violence against women and girls in Egypt, Sudan, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
The V-Day movement is growing at a rapid pace throughout the world, in 120 countries from Europe to Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, and all of North America. V-Day, a non-profit corporation, distributes funds to grassroots, national and international organizations and programs that work to stop violence against women and girls. In 2001, V-Day was named one of Worth Magazine's "100 Best Charities" and in 2006 one of Marie Claire Magazine’s Top Ten Charities. In nine years, the V-Day movement has raised over $50 million.
The 'V' in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina.
(From: www.vday.com)
Enjoy!
Finally my essay
Hippies, angry women and lesbians have always been what I think of when I hear the word feminism. A more formal and widely accepted definition of feminism is the “belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes”. As a woman, I could never figure out what it was that these feminist’s could be mad about still. However, I have recently traveled to five artistic museums in Washington D.C., and I have come to a new realization about female artists in society. Art institutions still disregard the art of female artists and further prolong the necessity for the fight for female equality.
As I walked into the Hirshhorn Museum, I did the usual and checked to see the artist’s piece of work. I started off in the lower level or “current section” of the museum and noticed that there was an equal amount of female and male artists. I transitioned upstairs expecting to find the same situation. After observing a couple sections of artwork, I began to notice that they were only male artists. I continued to search the whole third floor and could find only one piece of art made by a woman.
Slowly this bit of information began to sink in and I became furious. One of my assumptions prior to going to these exhibits was that females artists are treated the same as men in our current society. The museum did display the artwork of a number of female artists in the ‘current section’, but I could not understand why there was only one on the upper level. Does the lack of female representation mean that women are only capable of ‘current’ art? Is artwork created from females years ago not accepted as art? I was not sure about the ‘qualifications’ for a piece of artwork to be displayed on the third floor. To me it seemed it was a matter of the gender of the individual. The Hirshhorn Museum was a male-dominated exhibit that seemed to favor the works of men.
A completely opposite experience from the Hirshhorn Museum was the National Museum of Women and the Arts Women. A number of assumptions crossed my mind about this museum when I first heard it existed. I assumed that the exhibit would be full of items that dealt with female empowerment or showed the struggle and inequality of the woman. However, the first thing I saw when I entered the museum were portraits of historical women figures, flowers, mothers, children, and food. I always thought that female artists would shy away from things that are usually associated with the female gender such as flowers, children and women.
As I traveled on the upper levels, I noticed that the artwork began to show works of art that were not portraits. There was a floor dedicated to the works of famous Portuguese artist Paula Rego and in each one of her pictures she included a woman. However in her pictures, each woman portrayed a certain theme or statement. For example, Rego had a group of pictures of women that all seemed distressed. The pictures symbolized the agony and pain a female goes through when she is pregnant with an unwanted baby. Rego included a brief synopsis explaining the ban of abortion in Portugal and the affect it had on the women of her country. Anyone that viewed these pictures could feel the pain the women in her country go through because of this ban.
It seems as time progresses women are becoming more open and controversial with their artwork. Each piece of art expresses the female artist’s personal view of issues affecting society. Are made by women has slowly progressed from simple portraits of woman and fruit, to more political and social driven works of art. The National Museum of Women and the Arts displays many pieces of art from women around the world and makes it is a feminist institution.
Females of different cultures have their own view of art. The Native Americans did not make beautiful paintings or murals; I could not understand what was artistic about their culture. I was assigned to go to The National Museum of the American Indians, but I did not understand why if we were I was in a Women’s Studies class. However when I viewed this exhibit I began to understand that there are different forms of art. The Indian woman had a different type of art where they expressed their artwork through their clothes, singing, and dancing. These women were not the typical artist but still expressed how they felt through the designs on their clothes, the words of their songs, and the way they danced. The beadworks that these women sewed onto their clothes were of beautiful designs and pictures. The words they sang in their songs were stories about struggle and triumph. With every word they sang they danced with the beat of the rattle and drum, gesturing their words into a physical sense so others could see their story.
This museum made me realize that art is not the typical painting, drawing or sculpture. Art is the way one expresses his or her self. These Indian women expressed themselves through their embroidery, dancing, and singing, so essentially this is their art. This museum did not seem to favor the male gender and included a number of women dominated artistry including pottery, jewelry, sewing, singing and dancing. This museum was not necessarily feminist because it maintained equal consideration and displayed both male and female art.
The fourth museum I went to was the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. I could not understand why we were sent to this museum because there did not seem to be any instance of female art. However, there was an instance that the museum seemed a bit sexist. The professor insisted that we should visit “Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story” in the Holocaust Museum. The exhibit showed the life of a Jewish boy, Daniel, during the Holocaust. After I viewed the exhibit I could not help but wonder why the museum chose Daniel. What was it that made Daniel’s story more important than the stories of the rest of the Jews? More importantly, why did the museum choose a boy? Certainly woman went through the same struggle as men did and maybe more considering the constant rape they endured. The museum could have used the story of the Jewish girl Anne Frank or another female Jew.
The Holocaust museum might not have meant anything by choosing a boy instead of a girl for exhibit. I might just be too analytical about the situation. However, the overall feeling I get about the museum is that it is traditional and male-dominated. I did not feel that the museum valued the struggle and accomplishment of the woman. The museum seemed to show more stories of men than women which made me very angry.
After visiting these museums I have gained new knowledge about women in art. There were many assumptions I had prior to my experience that were completely false and there were some that were accurate. I assumed that I would become empowered as a woman from this experience. This is true, I have more sympathy towards feminist’s and their mission, and I understand their struggle. I have also grasped a new definition of art. I did not understand how a piece of metal could possibly be considered as work of art. However now, I have come to find that art is simply the ability to express oneself. Every individual is unique in their own way, and this uniqueness leads to different forms of art that may not be comprehensible to everyone.
As I walked into the Hirshhorn Museum, I did the usual and checked to see the artist’s piece of work. I started off in the lower level or “current section” of the museum and noticed that there was an equal amount of female and male artists. I transitioned upstairs expecting to find the same situation. After observing a couple sections of artwork, I began to notice that they were only male artists. I continued to search the whole third floor and could find only one piece of art made by a woman.
Slowly this bit of information began to sink in and I became furious. One of my assumptions prior to going to these exhibits was that females artists are treated the same as men in our current society. The museum did display the artwork of a number of female artists in the ‘current section’, but I could not understand why there was only one on the upper level. Does the lack of female representation mean that women are only capable of ‘current’ art? Is artwork created from females years ago not accepted as art? I was not sure about the ‘qualifications’ for a piece of artwork to be displayed on the third floor. To me it seemed it was a matter of the gender of the individual. The Hirshhorn Museum was a male-dominated exhibit that seemed to favor the works of men.
A completely opposite experience from the Hirshhorn Museum was the National Museum of Women and the Arts Women. A number of assumptions crossed my mind about this museum when I first heard it existed. I assumed that the exhibit would be full of items that dealt with female empowerment or showed the struggle and inequality of the woman. However, the first thing I saw when I entered the museum were portraits of historical women figures, flowers, mothers, children, and food. I always thought that female artists would shy away from things that are usually associated with the female gender such as flowers, children and women.
As I traveled on the upper levels, I noticed that the artwork began to show works of art that were not portraits. There was a floor dedicated to the works of famous Portuguese artist Paula Rego and in each one of her pictures she included a woman. However in her pictures, each woman portrayed a certain theme or statement. For example, Rego had a group of pictures of women that all seemed distressed. The pictures symbolized the agony and pain a female goes through when she is pregnant with an unwanted baby. Rego included a brief synopsis explaining the ban of abortion in Portugal and the affect it had on the women of her country. Anyone that viewed these pictures could feel the pain the women in her country go through because of this ban.
It seems as time progresses women are becoming more open and controversial with their artwork. Each piece of art expresses the female artist’s personal view of issues affecting society. Are made by women has slowly progressed from simple portraits of woman and fruit, to more political and social driven works of art. The National Museum of Women and the Arts displays many pieces of art from women around the world and makes it is a feminist institution.
Females of different cultures have their own view of art. The Native Americans did not make beautiful paintings or murals; I could not understand what was artistic about their culture. I was assigned to go to The National Museum of the American Indians, but I did not understand why if we were I was in a Women’s Studies class. However when I viewed this exhibit I began to understand that there are different forms of art. The Indian woman had a different type of art where they expressed their artwork through their clothes, singing, and dancing. These women were not the typical artist but still expressed how they felt through the designs on their clothes, the words of their songs, and the way they danced. The beadworks that these women sewed onto their clothes were of beautiful designs and pictures. The words they sang in their songs were stories about struggle and triumph. With every word they sang they danced with the beat of the rattle and drum, gesturing their words into a physical sense so others could see their story.
This museum made me realize that art is not the typical painting, drawing or sculpture. Art is the way one expresses his or her self. These Indian women expressed themselves through their embroidery, dancing, and singing, so essentially this is their art. This museum did not seem to favor the male gender and included a number of women dominated artistry including pottery, jewelry, sewing, singing and dancing. This museum was not necessarily feminist because it maintained equal consideration and displayed both male and female art.
The fourth museum I went to was the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. I could not understand why we were sent to this museum because there did not seem to be any instance of female art. However, there was an instance that the museum seemed a bit sexist. The professor insisted that we should visit “Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story” in the Holocaust Museum. The exhibit showed the life of a Jewish boy, Daniel, during the Holocaust. After I viewed the exhibit I could not help but wonder why the museum chose Daniel. What was it that made Daniel’s story more important than the stories of the rest of the Jews? More importantly, why did the museum choose a boy? Certainly woman went through the same struggle as men did and maybe more considering the constant rape they endured. The museum could have used the story of the Jewish girl Anne Frank or another female Jew.
The Holocaust museum might not have meant anything by choosing a boy instead of a girl for exhibit. I might just be too analytical about the situation. However, the overall feeling I get about the museum is that it is traditional and male-dominated. I did not feel that the museum valued the struggle and accomplishment of the woman. The museum seemed to show more stories of men than women which made me very angry.
After visiting these museums I have gained new knowledge about women in art. There were many assumptions I had prior to my experience that were completely false and there were some that were accurate. I assumed that I would become empowered as a woman from this experience. This is true, I have more sympathy towards feminist’s and their mission, and I understand their struggle. I have also grasped a new definition of art. I did not understand how a piece of metal could possibly be considered as work of art. However now, I have come to find that art is simply the ability to express oneself. Every individual is unique in their own way, and this uniqueness leads to different forms of art that may not be comprehensible to everyone.
By Next Tuesday: Critiquing Music Videos
Here are 4 music videos to songs that I particularly enjoy. But it's okay if you don't like them -- my tastes aren't necessarily yours! Pick 2 of them to watch and, in a comment to this post, say:
Leah Andreone -- It's Alright, It's Okay
Dar Williams -- As Cool as I Am
Kate Bush -- Wuthering Heights
- Which MV you watched
- Whether the MV and/or the song can be considered feminist (and why)
- How you personally judged this art (Did you like it? why or why not?)
Leah Andreone -- It's Alright, It's Okay
Dar Williams -- As Cool as I Am
Kate Bush -- Wuthering Heights
February 15, 2008
Assignment One and Assumptions
On the weekend of February 9th, 2008 I went to Washington DC not knowing whether I had any assumptions about feminism, a clear definition of feminism, or what museums in DC were feminist. However, after spending time at the museums, all three of these areas were illuminated for me. In this essay, I will explain how I found a suitable criterion to judge whether a place was feminist and then use that criteria to judge whether the museums I visited in DC are feminist.
Before visiting the museums, my criterion for feminism was based on some feminist writings I had read, such as early radical pieces like Valerie Solana’s S.C.U.M Manifesto and modern works like Ariel Levy’s Female Chauvinist Pigs. I concluded that something was feminist if it treated humanity equally and was free of the constraints of gender, class, and beliefs. Furthermore, I believed both men and women could create something feminist.
However, some works at the National Museum of Women and the Arts (NMWA) and the classical art building of the National Gallery of Art (NGA) made me reconsider my criterion. First, the overwhelming white bias in the 17th and 18th century paintings at the NMWA made me realize a fundamental goal of feminism. I thought that there would be more diversity in these early paintings, but it quickly became clear to me that these paintings were not diverse because their purpose was to chronicle how women were represented in the arts throughout time. From this realization, I concluded that the goal of feminism was not just to promote equality but to also chronicle women’s progress throughout time. Second, the photograph of the Kilgore College Rangerettes in the Permanent Collection of the NMWA made me realize that something could be feminist even though it is seemingly sexist. The photograph of the Rangerettes focuses centrally on the cheerleaders kicking up their legs and exposing their underwear to the viewer. While this image is obviously sexist, it raises the fundamental problem of women being treated as sex objects in modern society. Finally, the complete lack of female artists in the NGA and the traditional depiction of women as just mothers and caretakers made me realize the importance of having both radical and traditional perspectives of the role of women represented in order for something to be feminist. If just one perspective is presented, then the viewer gets a biased look at the role of women in society and how this role has changed over time. After taking these realizations into consideration, I developed a new criterion for judging whether a place was feminist. I decided that a location was feminist if it chronicled the advancement of women and considered a woman’s role in society through multiple perspectives.
Based on this criterion, the NGA is not feminist while the NMWA, National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), and Hishorn are.
The NGA is not feminist mainly because of its failure to consider a woman’s role in society through multiple perspectives. During my entire stay at the NGA, I failed to find one instance where a woman was not depicted as a mother and caretaker. While some may argue that this depiction of women was accurate for the time of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, I believe this claim is completely false. A counterexample to this claim can be found in the NMWA, where there are portraits of strong women from the 16th century. These portraits do not contain any signs of servitude or motherhood and are a key example of early paintings that show women in a positive light. Thus, the NGA is not feminist because of its lack of paintings that show a progressive perspective of the role of women and complete focus on paintings that show the traditional role of women.
The NMWA is feminist due to its focus on the multiple perspectives on women’s role in society from the 16th century to the modern time. The case for this museum being feminist is best made when one looks at the first floor of the museum. This floor is a showroom occupied by 16th century to 18th century paintings that are of women and by women. Some paintings, such as the one by Maria Sibylla and the portraits of women from the Enlightenment, show how women were able to contribute to the world of art and science despite their social constraints. Other paintings reveal how women were expected to be care takers, home makers, and mothers. This theme of recording women’s roles throughout history is further explored in the permanent collection. Furthermore, Paula Rego’s exhibition raises questions on how society views women through her ballerina and dog-women paintings. So, the NMWA is feminist because it fits perfectly into to the feminist criterion.
The NMAI is feminist due to its exploration of the role of American Indian women in history and the modern world. The Identity by Design exhibit shows how important making dresses was to the identity and expression of countless Native American tribes. Furthermore, Identity by Design highlights how women played an important part in preserving the heritage of their people and how much honor was bestowed on their activities. The Our Peoples exhibit also reveals how American Indian women today help preserve the disappearing culture of their tribes.
Finally, the Hishorn is feminist due to its exploration of the role of women throughout the 20th and 21st century. For example, De Kooning’s Woman series showed the fear and hatred some felt towards the form of a woman and alluded to the idea that women are evil. On the other hand, Nevelson’s instillation shows the potential women hold to construct something mystifying and great out of ordinary trash. This focus on a woman’s potential and role in the 20th and 21st century makes the Hishorn feminist.
After visiting the museums, I can determine that something is feminist if it chronicled the advancement of women and considered a woman’s role in society through multiple perspectives. I can also tell which museums are feminist and which aren’t. Overall, this experience was fruitful as it revealed to me that feminism was not just a progressive movement, but also a way to study women’s advancement through history.
Assignment One: List of Assumptions
1. I assumed the National Museum of Women and the Arts (NMWA) would be much more urban and industrial inside.
2. I assumed the NMWA would not feature any classical art pieces (1500s-1700s).
3. I assumed the NMWA was an obscure organization rather than one of international renown.
4. I assumed there would be less white bias in the 19th century paintings at the NMWA.
5. I assumed I would only see purely painters and not painters/scientists at the NMWA.
6. I assumed I would not see any cheerleaders or their vaginas because they were sexist (referring to Kilgore College Rangerettes photo at the NMWA).
7. I assumed I would not see a photograph of a naked girl (referring to Virginia photo at the NMWA).
8. I assumed the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) would be focused on the North American Indian.
9. I assumed the NMAI would focus solely on the historical heritage of the American Indian.
10. I assumed women’s roles were downplayed in American Indian societies.
11. I assumed the Hishorn would only have sculptures.
12. I assumed I would only see obscure sketches at the Hishorn.
13. I assumed I’d find some modern art sketches I enjoyed at the Hishorn.
14. I assumed there would be more women artists featured at the Hishorn.
15. I assumed there would be a work of art by a woman at the National Gallery of Art.
For next class
First, some administrative announcements...
I have not received everyone's WMST 250 Information Sheet/Subject in History response. Please turn this into me as soon as possible (final deadline date: February 28).
Also, not everyone has posted his/her museum paper to our blog. Posting to our blog is *not* optional. I cannot grade you until you post. I will not mark you late this time for not posting by my deadline (which was February 14 by midnight), but for subsequent assignments I will. So again, please post as soon as possible!
Now, for our upcoming class on Tuesday...
I had asked you to look at my posting on the Kennedy Center, which includes visiting the website of a current exhibition. Part of our discussion on Tuesday will be based on this post, so take notes if you need to. (Or, better yet, visit the actual exhibition! It was a lot of fun!) We will be talking about culture, hyperculture, art, artifact, high-brow art, low-brow art, performance art, public art...
And to jump-start your next assignment (due March 4), we will also talk about feminist art.
So for class on Tuesday, I want each of you to bring in one example of feminist art. (We are defining "art" very loosely here.) If you have a picture of it, bring in the picture and try to post it to the blog. If it's a music video, post it to the blog as well.
We will use this activity to go over the requirements of Assignment #2.
Also, I want each of you to give a mini presentation about the papers you just handed in. Summarize your findings and tell the class about two of your assumptions about feminism and art. This isn't graded, but feel free to jazz up your presentations with visuals!
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me. Have a great weekend!
I have not received everyone's WMST 250 Information Sheet/Subject in History response. Please turn this into me as soon as possible (final deadline date: February 28).
Also, not everyone has posted his/her museum paper to our blog. Posting to our blog is *not* optional. I cannot grade you until you post. I will not mark you late this time for not posting by my deadline (which was February 14 by midnight), but for subsequent assignments I will. So again, please post as soon as possible!
Now, for our upcoming class on Tuesday...
I had asked you to look at my posting on the Kennedy Center, which includes visiting the website of a current exhibition. Part of our discussion on Tuesday will be based on this post, so take notes if you need to. (Or, better yet, visit the actual exhibition! It was a lot of fun!) We will be talking about culture, hyperculture, art, artifact, high-brow art, low-brow art, performance art, public art...
And to jump-start your next assignment (due March 4), we will also talk about feminist art.
So for class on Tuesday, I want each of you to bring in one example of feminist art. (We are defining "art" very loosely here.) If you have a picture of it, bring in the picture and try to post it to the blog. If it's a music video, post it to the blog as well.
We will use this activity to go over the requirements of Assignment #2.
Also, I want each of you to give a mini presentation about the papers you just handed in. Summarize your findings and tell the class about two of your assumptions about feminism and art. This isn't graded, but feel free to jazz up your presentations with visuals!
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me. Have a great weekend!
Art, Feminism and Assumptions
After visiting four museums in Washington D.C. including: The National Museum of Women and the Arts, The National Museum of the American Indian, The Hirschorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum I realized that there are distinct characteristics that distinguish a feminist museum from the others. Of all the museums that I visited the only Museum that I felt I could classify as feminist was The National Museum of Women and the Arts. I use the word feminist to describe all things advocating and fighting for the rights and equal treatment of women. This being the case I feel that out of all of my visits to the Museums The National Museum of Women in the Arts was the only museum that devoted itself to this cause through the use of informative imagery, real life depictions, and the call for women’s rights and equality.
Prior to my visit to the National Museum of women and the Arts I held many assumptions about what I thought Feminism was and its relation to art. I some how correlated feminism and art and came up with the assumption that I would see beautiful women depicted across the walls of the museum each with a contribution to feminism. This assumption was refuted once I actually looked inside of the museum and realized that many of the women in the paintings were not necessarily the ideal objects of beauty but rather real women. Once I saw the art for myself I realized that the women in the paintings served a higher purpose. I feel that the best way to depict what was suggested in the museum about the relationship between feminism and art is through a quote I found on the wall of the permanent collection floor. The quote read as follows: “ The function of art is to do more than tell it like it is it’s to imagine what is possible.” (Bell Hooks 1994) Feminism and art serve a greater purpose than to just “tell it like it is” but to also reflect what is possible. What is possible are rights for women and equality between the sexes, the goal of feminist everywhere. The Portuguese artist Paula Rego portrays the call for the rights of women in the Abortion series at the National Museum of Women and the Arts. On the wall beside the Abortion series lays a caption that reads as follows: “ Referendum in Portugal about legalizing abortion. There are abortion clinics on the border only available to the wealthy while the poor must go through an awful process at home.” This is an injustice to a select group of women in Portugal but nonetheless a feminist issue that is being portrayed through art. Across the walls were robust women legs spread, faces wrenched in torturous pain, some squatting over buckets, some rolled over on their sides each facing the horrible suffering of an at home abortion. Despite the gruesome images this is art, something that refuted all of my past assumptions about feminist art including the assumptions that art was pretty, feminist art was angry, and feminism was anti-men. This painting was neither pretty nor angry nor anti-men. I read it more as a question, advocating the rights of women no matter their economic status, asking for us to allow women to do with their body as they please. I feel that the use of women not as an object of beauty was a theme that ran widely throughout the museum each piece had its own significance but in very few of them did that included physical beauty. Conversely, my experience at the other museums was not so feminist oriented.
At The Museum of the American Indian I did see an appreciation of the Native American female. It is not enough to appreciate women feminism is much more. Feminism is a fight for the rights and equal treatment of women everywhere as my definition states. In the Museum I recall looking at the Identity by design exhibition and in it they describe how mothers were revered and respected. The exhibit illustrates how the identity and the spirit of the Native American women were depicted through their dresses and dance. Unlike the National Museum of Women and the Arts aesthetics were a major part of the art. The dresses were beautiful and had a purpose that was not focused on creating equal rights for women. This fact alone keeps this museum from being identified as entirely feminist
As I went to visit the other museums I found that they depicted the rights of women and equality for women even less than the National Museum of Women and the Arts. The Hirschorn Museum primarily displayed elements of modern art, none in any way advocating the rights of women. I feel that the primary purpose of this museum was to get you to think about and look at art as a kind of science. I remember a massive black and white striped painting on a wall. It made me think but not about feminism therefore, I would not classify it as a feminist museum. The other Museum that I went to was the Holocaust museum which was an amazing museum, I felt completely moved by it especially the Daniel Son exhibit which looked at the Holocaust from the perspective of a little boy. The Holocaust Museum was a museum in which the main purpose was to inform people of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. There was not what I would consider any feminist inspired exhibits at all in this museum but the struggles women during the Holocaust were referenced. As I stated earlier just the mention of women in a museum is not enough to label it a feminist museum if anything it is only enough to label femininely conscious.
The fact that out of four museums only one was feminist is not a fact that surprises me. I feel that in our culture today feminism is something we take in small doses. It takes a few courageous women to stand up and fight for change to inspire change in everyone. This is a proven fact in history like with the women suffrages and the feminist movement. I feel that the National Museum of Women and the Arts is a great museum that has many inspirational qualities of feminism and art. Like a quote I read in this museum states, “The personal is political. Feminist artists and activists protested the unequal representation of women in museums, galleries, and publications. Colleges and Universities responded by introducing Women’s Studies curricula and feminist art history courses.” In effect the consistence of feminist representation in museums lays within the future and essentially with us students who learn the importance of feminism in college. In response to all of my earlier archaic assumptions about feminism and art all I can say is, “ You know what they say about assuming…”
Prior to my visit to the National Museum of women and the Arts I held many assumptions about what I thought Feminism was and its relation to art. I some how correlated feminism and art and came up with the assumption that I would see beautiful women depicted across the walls of the museum each with a contribution to feminism. This assumption was refuted once I actually looked inside of the museum and realized that many of the women in the paintings were not necessarily the ideal objects of beauty but rather real women. Once I saw the art for myself I realized that the women in the paintings served a higher purpose. I feel that the best way to depict what was suggested in the museum about the relationship between feminism and art is through a quote I found on the wall of the permanent collection floor. The quote read as follows: “ The function of art is to do more than tell it like it is it’s to imagine what is possible.” (Bell Hooks 1994) Feminism and art serve a greater purpose than to just “tell it like it is” but to also reflect what is possible. What is possible are rights for women and equality between the sexes, the goal of feminist everywhere. The Portuguese artist Paula Rego portrays the call for the rights of women in the Abortion series at the National Museum of Women and the Arts. On the wall beside the Abortion series lays a caption that reads as follows: “ Referendum in Portugal about legalizing abortion. There are abortion clinics on the border only available to the wealthy while the poor must go through an awful process at home.” This is an injustice to a select group of women in Portugal but nonetheless a feminist issue that is being portrayed through art. Across the walls were robust women legs spread, faces wrenched in torturous pain, some squatting over buckets, some rolled over on their sides each facing the horrible suffering of an at home abortion. Despite the gruesome images this is art, something that refuted all of my past assumptions about feminist art including the assumptions that art was pretty, feminist art was angry, and feminism was anti-men. This painting was neither pretty nor angry nor anti-men. I read it more as a question, advocating the rights of women no matter their economic status, asking for us to allow women to do with their body as they please. I feel that the use of women not as an object of beauty was a theme that ran widely throughout the museum each piece had its own significance but in very few of them did that included physical beauty. Conversely, my experience at the other museums was not so feminist oriented.
At The Museum of the American Indian I did see an appreciation of the Native American female. It is not enough to appreciate women feminism is much more. Feminism is a fight for the rights and equal treatment of women everywhere as my definition states. In the Museum I recall looking at the Identity by design exhibition and in it they describe how mothers were revered and respected. The exhibit illustrates how the identity and the spirit of the Native American women were depicted through their dresses and dance. Unlike the National Museum of Women and the Arts aesthetics were a major part of the art. The dresses were beautiful and had a purpose that was not focused on creating equal rights for women. This fact alone keeps this museum from being identified as entirely feminist
As I went to visit the other museums I found that they depicted the rights of women and equality for women even less than the National Museum of Women and the Arts. The Hirschorn Museum primarily displayed elements of modern art, none in any way advocating the rights of women. I feel that the primary purpose of this museum was to get you to think about and look at art as a kind of science. I remember a massive black and white striped painting on a wall. It made me think but not about feminism therefore, I would not classify it as a feminist museum. The other Museum that I went to was the Holocaust museum which was an amazing museum, I felt completely moved by it especially the Daniel Son exhibit which looked at the Holocaust from the perspective of a little boy. The Holocaust Museum was a museum in which the main purpose was to inform people of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. There was not what I would consider any feminist inspired exhibits at all in this museum but the struggles women during the Holocaust were referenced. As I stated earlier just the mention of women in a museum is not enough to label it a feminist museum if anything it is only enough to label femininely conscious.
The fact that out of four museums only one was feminist is not a fact that surprises me. I feel that in our culture today feminism is something we take in small doses. It takes a few courageous women to stand up and fight for change to inspire change in everyone. This is a proven fact in history like with the women suffrages and the feminist movement. I feel that the National Museum of Women and the Arts is a great museum that has many inspirational qualities of feminism and art. Like a quote I read in this museum states, “The personal is political. Feminist artists and activists protested the unequal representation of women in museums, galleries, and publications. Colleges and Universities responded by introducing Women’s Studies curricula and feminist art history courses.” In effect the consistence of feminist representation in museums lays within the future and essentially with us students who learn the importance of feminism in college. In response to all of my earlier archaic assumptions about feminism and art all I can say is, “ You know what they say about assuming…”
February 14, 2008
Feminism in the Arts
To be quite honest, which I feel is the only way I can take something of relevance from this assignment and class, I came into this project with a fairly narrow minded view of what exactly “feminism” was. It wasn’t so much that I didn’t care for feminists, or didn’t agree with the concepts of feminism, but it boiled down to the fact that I saw the feminist movement as something that didn’t concern me, and as such something that I could not be bothered with. If I were asked before this class what came to my mind when I heard the word feminism, I probably would have responded with some of the stereotypes I’m sure we’ve all heard before; the bra-burning, man hating, sexual frustrated woman who believes women are superior to men in every way. Each of the museums had a profoundly different impact on my assumptions and views about feminism, but not everything went as expected. While I did assume that I would visit the National Museum of Woman in the Arts, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Textile Museum, and The National Gallery of Art, and become “enlightened” with a new view of what feminism meant to me, I was surprised exactly how and what about my assumptions changed during these trips.
The National Museum of Woman in the Arts, one of two mandatory visits I made, became my favorite stop almost immediately upon entering. Giant pink marble adorned the building, and it seemed to me to be a giant middle finger to everyone entering that building. While I think a lot of people where surprised by the choice of pink, a very “girly color, for an institution trying to promote equality among genders, I saw it as telling an appropriate. Even “activists” and those who fight to bring down the confines of the social construct and breakdown preconceived notions and labels, can themselves be lumped into stereotypes. People see a feminist as a strong, educated woman who clearly would never use pink, of all colors, in the NMWA. But feminism, like all forms of activism, is about breaking down stereotypes no matter which side they appear on and I think the pink marble at the entrance acts as a great way of telling all who enter to leave behind ANY preconceived ideas you might’ve had. I think that, above all things, if the goal of feminism. To make people realize that there are no limitations to what we can be. More than any art piece I saw there, it was the pink marble that spoke most to me about feminism.
The National Museum of the American Indian was especially shocking to me. Before I visited, I wrote about how I believed the Museum wouldn’t be a very good example of feminism because it seemed to be a male-centric lifestyle for the tribes. With all the hunting and such done to survive, it seemed that women would act as strictly support roles in the community. Little did I know, much of Native American culture was matriarchal and women played huge roles in the endurance of the tribe. Most Native American tribes had a custom of wives owning the family’s property, and women where essential to survival. They were responsible for making weapons and tools, repairing their homes, and also assisted in hunting. There were even cases of women fighting alongside men, though rare, when the tribe was threatened. Coming in, I thought women would be relegated to afterthoughts in a culture hundreds of years old, but it seems that the Native American woman was quite the feminist for her time, participating actively and often working along side men. The NMAI was able to show exactly what feminists, and all women, strive for: Equality in the eyes of others.
The Textile Museum was, unlike the other museums I visited, decidedly covert with its femininity. It very casually displayed art from both men and women, making no real distinction between the artists. Many paintings done by men sat side by side with paintings from women, and the museum treated it as it should, as nothing special. There was no special woman’s exhibit, and I saw this as a big step forward. I think, at its core, this is a basic feminist hope. That one day there will be no distinction made between a man and a woman for what the can accomplish. The artists here were accepted for their artistic ability, not their gender.
The most surprising visit I made was to the National Gallery of Art. I was not sure what to expect when I went, but I was pretty astounded when I failed to come up with any female artists to talk about. While the fact that feminism is not gender exclusive, and in fact there are many male feminists today, means the museum could have very well had pieces that depicted feminism done by male artists, the considerable difference between the representation of female artists and their male counterparts was completely unexpected, especially in a city like Washington, DC.
The purpose of this assignment was to examine my assumptions about feminism, but I’ve found that my very definition of the word has changed dramatically. Are there feminists who hate men and burn bras? Yes. Is that feminism? In part, but I’ve found that feminism takes many forms. There are no boundaries to “feminism.” It is a concept that has been changing along with the culture it is surrounded by. But one thing that remains constant is the core belief that women are equal on every level to men. How feminists choose to convey that message is indefinable.
To be quite honest, which I feel is the only way I can take something of relevance from this assignment and class, I came into this project with a fairly narrow minded view of what exactly “feminism” was. It wasn’t so much that I didn’t care for feminists, or didn’t agree with the concepts of feminism, but it boiled down to the fact that I saw the feminist movement as something that didn’t concern me, and as such something that I could not be bothered with. If I were asked before this class what came to my mind when I heard the word feminism, I probably would have responded with some of the stereotypes I’m sure we’ve all heard before; the bra-burning, man hating, sexual frustrated woman who believes women are superior to men in every way. Each of the museums had a profoundly different impact on my assumptions and views about feminism, but not everything went as expected. While I did assume that I would visit the National Museum of Woman in the Arts, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Textile Museum, and The National Gallery of Art, and become “enlightened” with a new view of what feminism meant to me, I was surprised exactly how and what about my assumptions changed during these trips.
The National Museum of Woman in the Arts, one of two mandatory visits I made, became my favorite stop almost immediately upon entering. Giant pink marble adorned the building, and it seemed to me to be a giant middle finger to everyone entering that building. While I think a lot of people where surprised by the choice of pink, a very “girly color, for an institution trying to promote equality among genders, I saw it as telling an appropriate. Even “activists” and those who fight to bring down the confines of the social construct and breakdown preconceived notions and labels, can themselves be lumped into stereotypes. People see a feminist as a strong, educated woman who clearly would never use pink, of all colors, in the NMWA. But feminism, like all forms of activism, is about breaking down stereotypes no matter which side they appear on and I think the pink marble at the entrance acts as a great way of telling all who enter to leave behind ANY preconceived ideas you might’ve had. I think that, above all things, if the goal of feminism. To make people realize that there are no limitations to what we can be. More than any art piece I saw there, it was the pink marble that spoke most to me about feminism.
The National Museum of the American Indian was especially shocking to me. Before I visited, I wrote about how I believed the Museum wouldn’t be a very good example of feminism because it seemed to be a male-centric lifestyle for the tribes. With all the hunting and such done to survive, it seemed that women would act as strictly support roles in the community. Little did I know, much of Native American culture was matriarchal and women played huge roles in the endurance of the tribe. Most Native American tribes had a custom of wives owning the family’s property, and women where essential to survival. They were responsible for making weapons and tools, repairing their homes, and also assisted in hunting. There were even cases of women fighting alongside men, though rare, when the tribe was threatened. Coming in, I thought women would be relegated to afterthoughts in a culture hundreds of years old, but it seems that the Native American woman was quite the feminist for her time, participating actively and often working along side men. The NMAI was able to show exactly what feminists, and all women, strive for: Equality in the eyes of others.
The Textile Museum was, unlike the other museums I visited, decidedly covert with its femininity. It very casually displayed art from both men and women, making no real distinction between the artists. Many paintings done by men sat side by side with paintings from women, and the museum treated it as it should, as nothing special. There was no special woman’s exhibit, and I saw this as a big step forward. I think, at its core, this is a basic feminist hope. That one day there will be no distinction made between a man and a woman for what the can accomplish. The artists here were accepted for their artistic ability, not their gender.
The most surprising visit I made was to the National Gallery of Art. I was not sure what to expect when I went, but I was pretty astounded when I failed to come up with any female artists to talk about. While the fact that feminism is not gender exclusive, and in fact there are many male feminists today, means the museum could have very well had pieces that depicted feminism done by male artists, the considerable difference between the representation of female artists and their male counterparts was completely unexpected, especially in a city like Washington, DC.
The purpose of this assignment was to examine my assumptions about feminism, but I’ve found that my very definition of the word has changed dramatically. Are there feminists who hate men and burn bras? Yes. Is that feminism? In part, but I’ve found that feminism takes many forms. There are no boundaries to “feminism.” It is a concept that has been changing along with the culture it is surrounded by. But one thing that remains constant is the core belief that women are equal on every level to men. How feminists choose to convey that message is indefinable.
Rahwa Belai
WMST 250
2/14/07
Feminism refers to the belief that both men and women should have equal rights. Before even entering a museum, various assumptions can be made of what we think will either be in the museum or what we think will not be in the museum. Expectations are already made of what we feel will be in either an American Indian museum or a Museum of Women and the Arts. The Museum of Women and the Arts was a feminist museum, while the National Museum of the American Indian, the United States Holocaust Museum, and Hirshorn were not feminist museums.
Before even entering the National Museum of the American Indians, I first saw that the building had no sharp corners. That was interesting because that was an unusual art form in itself. When I finally entered the museum, I assumed that their would be murals on the wall and murals to show the American Indian culture but I was surprised at how plain the walls and the ceilings were with just a white background. In the entrance of the museum, it seemed very empty with only a few objects such as a canoe. I assumed that because American Indians are usually associated with weapons such as bows and arrows, that as soon as one walked in the museum they would be greeted with them. When I went to the upper levels of the museum, I saw a small case of guns and swords but they did not really glorify it, as I would assume. My assumption was correct in that the museum did have weapons used by the American Indians.
I was amazed at the different types of clothing that American Indians wore on different occasions. I just assumed that they had only one type of clothing and did not take the time to decorate it as much as they did. For example, there was a Grow Tobacco Society dress that women wore when planting or harvesting tobacco. Clothing is a very important part of the American Indian culture because it represents who they are, for example, at the Apache Na’iiees (Sunrise) ceremony, a special dress is made for the young girl when she transfers over into woman hood. There were various videos in the museum showing American Indian culture and their way of life. I assumed that the videos were going to be spoken in the languages spoken by American Indian tribes and would be translated in English. I assumed that only American Indian men were the only ones who participated in sports such as lacrosse but women also participated too. The American Indian museum was not a feminist museum because it did not specifically glorify women. The museum did not just focus on women but instead focused on the people as a whole instead of only a group. But women played a big role in creating the identity of the American Indians because they were the ones who designed the dresses and were the ones who harvested the crops. Designing dresses gave them a sense of identity and these designs were passed down from generation to generation along with the historical knowledge.
The Hirshorn museum was a new experience for me because it showed unique pieces of art. Hirshorn was different from all of the other museums because it did not have a specific theme nor did it tell a story. I assumed that the artwork would be abstract which for the most part they showed abstract paintings. There was very few artwork done by women but there was a lot of artwork done of woman as the centerpiece. Most of the painting that I saw depicted women as naked. For example, in Christopher Williams’s paintings, the women were only wearing a towel. Most of the art was just abstract. In Hirshorn, they did not display any feminism because the main focus was on various sculptures and other objects done mostly by men. Women were not really glorified in their artwork.
The National Museum of Women and the Arts was a feminist museum. One interesting painting showed how women who could not afford to go to abortion clinics had an abortion while at home. I assumed that the artwork would depict a higher representation of women instead of showing women in lower positions such as being maids and sewing as the women in the Coop. It was interesting to see women and dogs in a picture because usually dogs are usually associated with men. When I entered the museum, there were many diamonds in the chandelier, which I would have assumed that in a feminist museum, they would not show stereotypical representation of how diamonds are a girl’s best friend. I assumed that the Women’s museum would stay away from stereotypical ways of associating women to housework. For example, they had a silver ware collection that had spoons and teakettles. This shows that women are always associated with kitchenware utensils and always being in the kitchen. I assumed that the portraits of women would be diverse and would have women of different ethnicity. But I found that the art was generally of white women. I would think that they would show women as a whole instead of only showing one group of people.
The museum was that of feminist because a lot of description of the artwork explains what feminist had to go through in order to get recognized. One example it stated that “A notion of femininity emerger as well in “New Woman,” who was non conformist in both appearance and attitude.” Feminist wanted to show that women were different and did not conform into what society wanted them to do. Various signs made statements such as “Feminist and activist protested against the unequal representation of women in museums, galleries, and publications.” Women had to fight in order to be recognized in higher institutions. Stereotypical roles of women such as being queens were also in this museum. One interesting historical fact that I found was that in the 16th and 17th century women were banned from professionally pursuing art.
The Holocaust museum was a very depressing experience. The museum showed the cruelty that was experienced by the Jews from the Nazis. Some of the stuff that I saw was hard to believe because the photographs were explicit and real. For example, in Remember the Children: Daniels Story, the room was very realistic with voice over as you walked through his daily life. I would assume after seeing Daniel’s story that they would have had a girl’s perspective on her life. The art was that of priceless artifacts that were left behind by people who died. I assumed that there would be a lot of historical facts in which there were different videos that showed Jewish survivors telling their stories. The artwork was that of pictures of survivors and pictures of the treatment of Jews and I learned a lot because I was able to learn that millions of innocent people were killed. Both men and women were treated the same by the Nazis. The Holocaust was a not a feminist museum because it did not focus on women and did not have anything that represented women as a whole. The Holocaust museum focused more on telling the whole story of the Jewish people instead of only focusing on men or women.
In conclusion, the Women of the Women and the Arts focused primarily on women unlike the other museums which either had some part of women or none at all. I had assumptions even before I entered the museum but new assumptions were made after going through the museum. A lot can be learned from these museums, whether it deals with different types of art or learning new information or cultures represented by the artwork.
WMST 250
2/14/07
Feminism refers to the belief that both men and women should have equal rights. Before even entering a museum, various assumptions can be made of what we think will either be in the museum or what we think will not be in the museum. Expectations are already made of what we feel will be in either an American Indian museum or a Museum of Women and the Arts. The Museum of Women and the Arts was a feminist museum, while the National Museum of the American Indian, the United States Holocaust Museum, and Hirshorn were not feminist museums.
Before even entering the National Museum of the American Indians, I first saw that the building had no sharp corners. That was interesting because that was an unusual art form in itself. When I finally entered the museum, I assumed that their would be murals on the wall and murals to show the American Indian culture but I was surprised at how plain the walls and the ceilings were with just a white background. In the entrance of the museum, it seemed very empty with only a few objects such as a canoe. I assumed that because American Indians are usually associated with weapons such as bows and arrows, that as soon as one walked in the museum they would be greeted with them. When I went to the upper levels of the museum, I saw a small case of guns and swords but they did not really glorify it, as I would assume. My assumption was correct in that the museum did have weapons used by the American Indians.
I was amazed at the different types of clothing that American Indians wore on different occasions. I just assumed that they had only one type of clothing and did not take the time to decorate it as much as they did. For example, there was a Grow Tobacco Society dress that women wore when planting or harvesting tobacco. Clothing is a very important part of the American Indian culture because it represents who they are, for example, at the Apache Na’iiees (Sunrise) ceremony, a special dress is made for the young girl when she transfers over into woman hood. There were various videos in the museum showing American Indian culture and their way of life. I assumed that the videos were going to be spoken in the languages spoken by American Indian tribes and would be translated in English. I assumed that only American Indian men were the only ones who participated in sports such as lacrosse but women also participated too. The American Indian museum was not a feminist museum because it did not specifically glorify women. The museum did not just focus on women but instead focused on the people as a whole instead of only a group. But women played a big role in creating the identity of the American Indians because they were the ones who designed the dresses and were the ones who harvested the crops. Designing dresses gave them a sense of identity and these designs were passed down from generation to generation along with the historical knowledge.
The Hirshorn museum was a new experience for me because it showed unique pieces of art. Hirshorn was different from all of the other museums because it did not have a specific theme nor did it tell a story. I assumed that the artwork would be abstract which for the most part they showed abstract paintings. There was very few artwork done by women but there was a lot of artwork done of woman as the centerpiece. Most of the painting that I saw depicted women as naked. For example, in Christopher Williams’s paintings, the women were only wearing a towel. Most of the art was just abstract. In Hirshorn, they did not display any feminism because the main focus was on various sculptures and other objects done mostly by men. Women were not really glorified in their artwork.
The National Museum of Women and the Arts was a feminist museum. One interesting painting showed how women who could not afford to go to abortion clinics had an abortion while at home. I assumed that the artwork would depict a higher representation of women instead of showing women in lower positions such as being maids and sewing as the women in the Coop. It was interesting to see women and dogs in a picture because usually dogs are usually associated with men. When I entered the museum, there were many diamonds in the chandelier, which I would have assumed that in a feminist museum, they would not show stereotypical representation of how diamonds are a girl’s best friend. I assumed that the Women’s museum would stay away from stereotypical ways of associating women to housework. For example, they had a silver ware collection that had spoons and teakettles. This shows that women are always associated with kitchenware utensils and always being in the kitchen. I assumed that the portraits of women would be diverse and would have women of different ethnicity. But I found that the art was generally of white women. I would think that they would show women as a whole instead of only showing one group of people.
The museum was that of feminist because a lot of description of the artwork explains what feminist had to go through in order to get recognized. One example it stated that “A notion of femininity emerger as well in “New Woman,” who was non conformist in both appearance and attitude.” Feminist wanted to show that women were different and did not conform into what society wanted them to do. Various signs made statements such as “Feminist and activist protested against the unequal representation of women in museums, galleries, and publications.” Women had to fight in order to be recognized in higher institutions. Stereotypical roles of women such as being queens were also in this museum. One interesting historical fact that I found was that in the 16th and 17th century women were banned from professionally pursuing art.
The Holocaust museum was a very depressing experience. The museum showed the cruelty that was experienced by the Jews from the Nazis. Some of the stuff that I saw was hard to believe because the photographs were explicit and real. For example, in Remember the Children: Daniels Story, the room was very realistic with voice over as you walked through his daily life. I would assume after seeing Daniel’s story that they would have had a girl’s perspective on her life. The art was that of priceless artifacts that were left behind by people who died. I assumed that there would be a lot of historical facts in which there were different videos that showed Jewish survivors telling their stories. The artwork was that of pictures of survivors and pictures of the treatment of Jews and I learned a lot because I was able to learn that millions of innocent people were killed. Both men and women were treated the same by the Nazis. The Holocaust was a not a feminist museum because it did not focus on women and did not have anything that represented women as a whole. The Holocaust museum focused more on telling the whole story of the Jewish people instead of only focusing on men or women.
In conclusion, the Women of the Women and the Arts focused primarily on women unlike the other museums which either had some part of women or none at all. I had assumptions even before I entered the museum but new assumptions were made after going through the museum. A lot can be learned from these museums, whether it deals with different types of art or learning new information or cultures represented by the artwork.
Dan Kogut
WMST250
2-12-08
Assignment 1
Feminism in the Arts: Personal Interpretation
Upon entering the National Museum of Women and the Arts, the first and most notable aspect of the design of the building is the pink marble like trim. This goes against many of the common assumptions, including one of my own, that an institution promoting equal representation and rights for women would avoid the cliché use of pink trim. This shows that the feminist ideals cannot be lumped into a single stereotypical assumption. The most striking and prominent display of a pro feminist attitude at this museum was a portrait painted by a woman, of a seemingly upper class woman and her child from the 1700’s. The most interesting aspect of this portrait was how graceful and proper the mother and child were together. It showed that not only were women the backbone of child development and family values, but also that women were artistic equivalent to men and deserved to be painted as well. This theme of motherhood was apparent in other museums as well, such as the
Even though I would not consider the American Indian Museum, African Art Museum, or the Holocaust museum to be directly feminist museums, they certainly had underlying themes could be used as obvious feminist support or to show how a the museum is subconsciously ignoring feminist ideals. A common theme throughout the exhibits in these museums was the depictions of mother and child relationships. This would typically seem to be anti-feminist, but all throughout history mothers were revered for their childcare and were essential to the success of families and generations. Most notably, the American Indian museum showed how vital mothers were in daily lives: mothers would care for the children, own the property, act as medical advisors, help men hunt and fight, and make the necessary clothing. This is portrayed in many exhibits and indirectly solidifies the historical facts that help promote the feminist ideals. Another example showing the respect of motherhood was at the
Lastly, a museum that did not have the same feminist qualities was the
Overall, the museums all provided some insight into the ideals of feminism. Both the direct ideals portrayed at the National Museum of Women and the Arts, and the indirect ideals at the African Art, American Indian, and Holocaust museums blend together to create a balanced influence of feminism museum patrons. I was never overcome by a strong feminist opinion, something that could offend or dissuade a more conservative individual to look down on the feminist ideals. I originally assumed that this assignment would not change my views on feminism or enlighten me to any new ideas, but that assumption was pleasantly changed.
February 13, 2008
Questions about Assignment #1
Nadiab writes:
"I am wondering if we are supposed to talk about all the assumptions we made previous to going to the museums? It is really hard do so in a four page paper."
Excellent question. No, you do not have to list ALL of your assumptions in your paper. You will need to include a separate list of your assumptions, but in writing you paper, draw from a few (3-4) that you feel is most relevant. Then, for each assumption, use examples from the museums to discuss your assumptions and conclusions about feminism and art.
If you have any other questions about this assignment, post them as a comment to this post. I will not answer questions by email.
Good luck!
"I am wondering if we are supposed to talk about all the assumptions we made previous to going to the museums? It is really hard do so in a four page paper."
Excellent question. No, you do not have to list ALL of your assumptions in your paper. You will need to include a separate list of your assumptions, but in writing you paper, draw from a few (3-4) that you feel is most relevant. Then, for each assumption, use examples from the museums to discuss your assumptions and conclusions about feminism and art.
If you have any other questions about this assignment, post them as a comment to this post. I will not answer questions by email.
Good luck!
Feminism Emerging in the World Around Us (2/14 assignment)
Equal rights and opportunities within America should be a goal that all citizens strive towards. Often times even in today’s society woman are held to different standards, seen as the inferior gender, and most importantly not given the deserved amount of recognition for success. Feminism is an ever-increasing theme with the times in that all women are to be treated equally and fairly as that of the opposite gender. Traditions must be broken and a new step forward needs to be taken by all to ensure that change occurs within society. Many women’s rights activist groups have taken a stand against the poor treatment received and have started making a difference in the eye of the public.
Washington D.C. is one place where women have started to make an impact by showcasing talent through various forms of art. Museums have become more feminist oriented in not only the art forms inside but also in the design and layout of the structural elements. The National Museum of Women in the Arts is dedicated to showcasing women’s talents, sharing their work with all patrons and recognizing woman as artists, not just as subjects in art. The structural elements of the museum show engraved columns, chandeliers, gold paint around the boarder of the ceiling, and also lion heads that adorn the tops of columns. To me these structures represent the sophistication of women while also conveying the message that women pay attention to finite details as can be seen when looking closely at the engravings in the columns. On the other hand, the pink marble in the foyer area is stereotypical and allows the public to revert back to their opinions of women and the associations formed, instead of the new perspective being created by feminism.
Walking though the museum I continually was astounded by the talents of women that were never given the opportunity to showcase their work such as Paula Rego. Often I think of artists such as Leonardo DiVinci and Picasso never giving a thought to women as artists, but after seeing the exuberant work they have turned into masterpieces and the messages conveyed, I began to understand the loss society has suffered from discriminating against these women. The messages in the paintings were often a resemblance of the hardships faced by woman such as Red Monkey Beating his Wife and also Pregnant Rabbit Telling her Parents. I was left with a lasting impression of seeing these two pieces specifically that the road behind has been one of inequality and discrimination towards women; change needs to be made and the path ahead one of equality and fairness for all. The National Museum of Women in the Arts is a remarkable place that showcases the talent of women and has started to lead the way for others within the art world.
Myself, as it becomes a major issue in society, define feminism as the equal representation of the male and female gender in relation to the world and giving both an equal chance at new opportunities. I have talked of museums giving women all of the representation and accrediting them as “artists” within the world, but one museum has persevered enough to include both genders in their exhibits. The Textile Museum is one in which I thought effectively contributed to feminism but the structural elements were not as overpowering as that of a regular museum showing no bias over one gender or the other. However, the art forms inside are a representation of the ability of women and are displayed showcasing the talent they possess. As I walked through the exhibits there was not a specific section for females and then another for males, but all were intertwined together as a symbol of equality. I assumed that at this time in the movement towards feminism it would be too early to expect this response from society, but immediately became overjoyed when I realized that the movement is making lead way and the world is beginning to change. This museum I assumed would be put on the bottom of my favorite places visited that I thought gave women the credit they deserve; however, my assumption was wrong and I believe that this museum should be used as a model for others.
Art can come in a variety of forms and often the question “what is art” is left to human reasoning and deduction. “Identity by Design” displays interesting forms of art in which women serve as both the designer and artists. In this display at the National Museum of the American Indian feminism is created as a means of showing the hard work and determination women struggled with everyday. Native American women are specifically recognized for their beadwork on garments and the labor it takes to create these beautiful creations. I repeatedly questioned myself as I walked through the exhibit why this would be considered a form of art and came to the conclusion that art is personal expression and for this culture of women every stitch was an expression of their life.
Often times when thinking of Native Americans the associations that pop into my head are those of hunting, tee pees, and agricultural production; all activities in which the female gender is not prominent. As a result of visiting this museum I have come to appreciate women in the Indian culture and understand the feminism being created in the exhibit. Upon walking into “Identity of Design” patrons are immediately stricken with amazement over the achievements made by women and I wonder why are they kept hidden from all to see? The National Museum of the American Indian has taken an important initiative to bring the work of women out of secrecy and open up “knowledge worlds” of the citizens of society, while beginning to make an impact of representing both genders equally.
Washington, D.C. is effectively making change at a slow rate; however, some of the museums are still strongly male centered and represented. The Holocaust Museum leaves citizens with a lasting impression of the hardships faced, while at the same time leaving them with the question “where are the women?” A main exhibit “Daniel’s Story” is of a boy whose family lived in Nazi Germany and it shares his perspective of the times. Why is this not a girl? Many people question this as daughters were affected just as much as their brothers during the time. Also, while traveling through the rest of the museum I noticed that women were not portrayed in the pictures that adorned walls nor were they often talked about in the educational descriptions. The Holocaust Museum leads one to assume that women were not heavily affected by the tragedies, which is not correct. Unfortunately, throughout this museum women lack the representation they deserve, as they too were prisoners. As progress has been made there is still room for improvement for feminism to be incorporated into this wonderful place that represents the history of our country and fellow nations.
Feminism will become more evident in the world we live in as equality starts to take form and change the American perspective of women and their talents or abilities. Women are an important part of the American society, culture, and well-being and should be given the opportunity to showcase the talent they posses.
Washington D.C. is one place where women have started to make an impact by showcasing talent through various forms of art. Museums have become more feminist oriented in not only the art forms inside but also in the design and layout of the structural elements. The National Museum of Women in the Arts is dedicated to showcasing women’s talents, sharing their work with all patrons and recognizing woman as artists, not just as subjects in art. The structural elements of the museum show engraved columns, chandeliers, gold paint around the boarder of the ceiling, and also lion heads that adorn the tops of columns. To me these structures represent the sophistication of women while also conveying the message that women pay attention to finite details as can be seen when looking closely at the engravings in the columns. On the other hand, the pink marble in the foyer area is stereotypical and allows the public to revert back to their opinions of women and the associations formed, instead of the new perspective being created by feminism.
Walking though the museum I continually was astounded by the talents of women that were never given the opportunity to showcase their work such as Paula Rego. Often I think of artists such as Leonardo DiVinci and Picasso never giving a thought to women as artists, but after seeing the exuberant work they have turned into masterpieces and the messages conveyed, I began to understand the loss society has suffered from discriminating against these women. The messages in the paintings were often a resemblance of the hardships faced by woman such as Red Monkey Beating his Wife and also Pregnant Rabbit Telling her Parents. I was left with a lasting impression of seeing these two pieces specifically that the road behind has been one of inequality and discrimination towards women; change needs to be made and the path ahead one of equality and fairness for all. The National Museum of Women in the Arts is a remarkable place that showcases the talent of women and has started to lead the way for others within the art world.
Myself, as it becomes a major issue in society, define feminism as the equal representation of the male and female gender in relation to the world and giving both an equal chance at new opportunities. I have talked of museums giving women all of the representation and accrediting them as “artists” within the world, but one museum has persevered enough to include both genders in their exhibits. The Textile Museum is one in which I thought effectively contributed to feminism but the structural elements were not as overpowering as that of a regular museum showing no bias over one gender or the other. However, the art forms inside are a representation of the ability of women and are displayed showcasing the talent they possess. As I walked through the exhibits there was not a specific section for females and then another for males, but all were intertwined together as a symbol of equality. I assumed that at this time in the movement towards feminism it would be too early to expect this response from society, but immediately became overjoyed when I realized that the movement is making lead way and the world is beginning to change. This museum I assumed would be put on the bottom of my favorite places visited that I thought gave women the credit they deserve; however, my assumption was wrong and I believe that this museum should be used as a model for others.
Art can come in a variety of forms and often the question “what is art” is left to human reasoning and deduction. “Identity by Design” displays interesting forms of art in which women serve as both the designer and artists. In this display at the National Museum of the American Indian feminism is created as a means of showing the hard work and determination women struggled with everyday. Native American women are specifically recognized for their beadwork on garments and the labor it takes to create these beautiful creations. I repeatedly questioned myself as I walked through the exhibit why this would be considered a form of art and came to the conclusion that art is personal expression and for this culture of women every stitch was an expression of their life.
Often times when thinking of Native Americans the associations that pop into my head are those of hunting, tee pees, and agricultural production; all activities in which the female gender is not prominent. As a result of visiting this museum I have come to appreciate women in the Indian culture and understand the feminism being created in the exhibit. Upon walking into “Identity of Design” patrons are immediately stricken with amazement over the achievements made by women and I wonder why are they kept hidden from all to see? The National Museum of the American Indian has taken an important initiative to bring the work of women out of secrecy and open up “knowledge worlds” of the citizens of society, while beginning to make an impact of representing both genders equally.
Washington, D.C. is effectively making change at a slow rate; however, some of the museums are still strongly male centered and represented. The Holocaust Museum leaves citizens with a lasting impression of the hardships faced, while at the same time leaving them with the question “where are the women?” A main exhibit “Daniel’s Story” is of a boy whose family lived in Nazi Germany and it shares his perspective of the times. Why is this not a girl? Many people question this as daughters were affected just as much as their brothers during the time. Also, while traveling through the rest of the museum I noticed that women were not portrayed in the pictures that adorned walls nor were they often talked about in the educational descriptions. The Holocaust Museum leads one to assume that women were not heavily affected by the tragedies, which is not correct. Unfortunately, throughout this museum women lack the representation they deserve, as they too were prisoners. As progress has been made there is still room for improvement for feminism to be incorporated into this wonderful place that represents the history of our country and fellow nations.
Feminism will become more evident in the world we live in as equality starts to take form and change the American perspective of women and their talents or abilities. Women are an important part of the American society, culture, and well-being and should be given the opportunity to showcase the talent they posses.
Spotlight on: The Kennedy Center
Japan! Culture and Hyperculture at the Kennedy Center
Have you been to the Kennedy Center before? This past weekend was my first time. It's located on the Red Line (Foggy Bottom); there's a free shuttle just outside the metro exit to take you there if you don't want to walk.
The Kennedy Center is a "living memorial" to former president John F. Kennedy. According to my Eyewitness Travel: Washington, DC book:
<-- As you walk up to the Kennedy Center, you will see the Don Quixote statue, created by Aurelio Teno, which was donated as a gift from Spain. 
Here is one of the posters at the Kennedy Center advertising the exhibition JAPAN! Culture + Hyperculture. Revisit the main WMST 250 blog and think about what "culture" and "hyperculture" may mean. -->
These are images from inside the Kennedy Center. From left to right: The Hall of States, the Grand Foyer, and the Bust of JFK. How would you classify these? High art? Low art? Popular art? Artifacts?
These are some images from the Japan! exhibit. From left to right: A folding screen, a humanoid robot, and a trumpet-playing robot. Do these count as art? Are these "culture" or "hyperculture"? Visit the link at the top of this post to see more examples from this exhibit. In class on Tuesday, we will have a lively discussion about gradations of art and culture using examples from this exhibit. Of course, I hope you will bring in your own examples as well!
Have you been to the Kennedy Center before? This past weekend was my first time. It's located on the Red Line (Foggy Bottom); there's a free shuttle just outside the metro exit to take you there if you don't want to walk.
The Kennedy Center is a "living memorial" to former president John F. Kennedy. According to my Eyewitness Travel: Washington, DC book:
In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an act to begin fund-raising for a national cultural center that would attract the world's best orchestras, opera, and dance companies to the US capital. President John F. Kennedy was an ardent supporter of the arts, taking the lead in fund-raising for it. He never saw the completion of the center, which was named in his honor. Designed by Edward Durrell Stone, it was opened on September 8, 1971. This vast complex houses three huge theaters; the Opera House, the Eisenhower Theater, and the Concert Hall, and on the roof is the Terrace Theater, the Theater Lab, and the Film Theater.
<-- As you walk up to the Kennedy Center, you will see the Don Quixote statue, created by Aurelio Teno, which was donated as a gift from Spain. 
Here is one of the posters at the Kennedy Center advertising the exhibition JAPAN! Culture + Hyperculture. Revisit the main WMST 250 blog and think about what "culture" and "hyperculture" may mean. -->
These are images from inside the Kennedy Center. From left to right: The Hall of States, the Grand Foyer, and the Bust of JFK. How would you classify these? High art? Low art? Popular art? Artifacts?
These are some images from the Japan! exhibit. From left to right: A folding screen, a humanoid robot, and a trumpet-playing robot. Do these count as art? Are these "culture" or "hyperculture"? Visit the link at the top of this post to see more examples from this exhibit. In class on Tuesday, we will have a lively discussion about gradations of art and culture using examples from this exhibit. Of course, I hope you will bring in your own examples as well!
February 11, 2008
Welcome!
Welcome to Women's Studies 250 -- "Introduction to Women's Studies: Women, Art, and Culture"! I am Carissa, your TA for Discussion Section 03. We will meet every Tuesday from 12:30-1:20 in the Art-Sociology Building, room number 3219.
The main WMST 250 blog is located at: http://wac250spr08.blogspot.com
As Katie writes in the class syllabus, this blog is where graphics, lecture materials and notes, communications and assignment help, and other vital class information and presentations are displayed. You need to regularly check this blog.
Our discussion section blog is located at: http://wmst250-03.blogspot.com
If you've used WebCT or Blackboard before, you will find that our discussion section blog serves the same purpose. Here, you will post your assignments. To quote from our class syllabus:
Our first discussion section (tomorrow!) will be an informal getting-to-know you session. I would like each of you to introduce yourself as a subject in history. We will also talk about your experiences in the museums and go over any questions you may have about the assignment (due on Thursday).
I look forward to meeting you!
The main WMST 250 blog is located at: http://wac250spr08.blogspot.com
As Katie writes in the class syllabus, this blog is where graphics, lecture materials and notes, communications and assignment help, and other vital class information and presentations are displayed. You need to regularly check this blog.
Our discussion section blog is located at: http://wmst250-03.blogspot.com
If you've used WebCT or Blackboard before, you will find that our discussion section blog serves the same purpose. Here, you will post your assignments. To quote from our class syllabus:
"Each section will also have its own blog, and you will post assignments for the course there. This will make sure that in such a large class with many sections your work will not be lost by accident as well as make it possible to do collaborative work. Therefore YOU DO NOT RECEIVE CREDIT FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT UNTIL IT IS POSTED TO YOUR SECTION BLOG."But our blog is not just a cyber repository of your coursework; it is a site for you to post announcements; engage in online discussions; share relevant webpages, images, and videos; and anything else you can think of! So let's be imaginative and work together throughout the semester to think about the different issues relating to Women's Studies, feminism, art, and culture.
Our first discussion section (tomorrow!) will be an informal getting-to-know you session. I would like each of you to introduce yourself as a subject in history. We will also talk about your experiences in the museums and go over any questions you may have about the assignment (due on Thursday).
I look forward to meeting you!
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