Points covered:
- Looking is not neutral.
- Men act, women appear.
- Women are objectified.
- Art - Made by men for men.
- The power of men spans all industries (including the arts).
- Domination and exploitation of women.
We then looked at some classic examples of fine art paintings that objectify women in this exploitative manner.
Hans Memling - Vanity:
- Painting shows nude woman.
- Created as art for men.
- Titillating content helps male owner feel comfortable.
- Fantasy that never challenges you.
- Objectified, never meets your gaze.
Manet:
- Passive painting.
- Woman gazes at painter.
- Covers self.
- Not accessible.
- Look at reality.
Alexandre Cabanel:
- Painting is inviting.
- Lady is looking away leaving everything exposed.
- Very accessible.
- Fantasy image.
The gaze is not only about the objectification of women, but also about the declassification of their place in society.
Next, we briefly viewed John Berger's short video; 'The Ways of Seeing, Episode Two'.
Notes:
- Speaks about the gaze that governs women, speaks of women as an object.
- Women are taught and persuaded from a young age to survey themselves.
- Women were always featured in nude paintings throughout history.
- To be naked is to be ones self, to be nude is to be seen naked by others and yet not recognized as ones self.
- Nakedness is a sight for the well dressed.
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