|
The artists' statement for the exhibit read as follows:
A digital photography/video arts workshop for 'womyn' who are interested in how we are and should be represented in the 21st
century. Qualifying participants are people who identify as 'womyn'. There were no other prerequisites. As a group we discussed
both modern and historical iconography of 'womyn'. How have we been symbolized and what icons do we relate to or not? We
talked about icons of women in pop culture, religion, literature, fashion, mythology, sacred images, nursery rhymes, art,
comics, music, the media, sports, advertising, etc. We brought in women from books, old photos, public statues, studies in
feminism, and women we know personally who touch us in some way; who reach us; who impress us. Often discussions on issues
of identity and (mis)representation are difficult due to their intimate nature, while simultaneously producing revelations
evident in the artworks you see displayed here.
The process was challenging and at times we faced numerous blocks mostly due to that age old fear-of-failure. After
all we were a diverse group spanning almost three generations and it took some time to develop a sense of safety. Some of
us were afraid of being self reflective amongst strangers, of using the wrong words during discussions, or creating an image
that did not fit the parameters of the theme. While other times unfamiliarity with the technology brought on collaborative
efforts to problem solve and lend mutual support for making art. As well womyn were incredibly generous with lending each
other books and equipment such as cameras and bringing their own computers to share in class. After a slow beginning images
began to evolve, often from a subconscious place, revealing Icons that cannot be described fully with words. Please take
time to read each artist's personal statement and reflect upon the Icons we have created.
UTA
"Medusa" - The paradoxical Medusa has a powerful cultural and literary history with wildly differing matriarchal
and patriarchal interpretations. In my image, I chose to imagine the Medusa as a guardian of the living on the edge of non-existence.
My image consists of two original digital photographs - my own face and a tree silhouette - that have been combined and manipulated
with the help of the Photoshop software program. I present my own face as the mask and mirror of the Medusa to issue a stark
warning for our time: All life on earth is in peril.
LAUREEN
My goal is to substitute apriori assumptions of 'appropriate' behavior and personal aesthetics (stereotypes) with a belief
system open to new possibilities. Included in this exhibit are two self-portraits, one past and one present, both juxtaposed
with cameo-like framing used to discuss gender association. Gingko is dioecious (having separate male and female trees) even
though the leaves are identical to the untrained eye. Occasionally both sexes are found on the same tree.
INNA
Through my participation in this workshop, I was reminded of the importance of process, not only outcome. By giving myself
free reign over subject matter, and imposing parameters only on the media I used, I was able to experience the natural evolution
of my project. I was also able to learn two computer programs new to me: Photoshop and Imovie. It was eye-opening and inspiring
to turn my camera and my attention to my intimate surroundings. What I ended up capturing was women: talking, being together,
sharing their stories. This brings me back to what I had hoped to gain from this class: a dialogue about how women view themselves
and communicate that vision.
EVE
Photography has always been about happenstance for me. Through this class, I have been exposed to photography as art. I have
been challenged to think about who and what I want to portray. I have also looked at the effect of images in the media to
shape us in a way that sidesteps the use of words. Included with my work are 2 images from the 19th century - a tintype and
a carte-de-visite. These women invite me in to the photography studio or their home and speak to me. They speak of longing
- for love and connection, for movement, for action. I like to believe that their 21st century descendants are living out
their dreams.
JULIE
Through this project, I got the chance to showcase bodily abnormality within a context of appreciation and humor. The proposed
idea is that by exaggerating the physical source of our body esteem pitfalls, we can make light of the disseminating body-barometers
that cause us to identify abnormalities. More importantly, I think people should laugh at breasts sometimes.
MARTINA
I set certain parameters for this piece; that it be in a medium new to me, that it be in and of this workshop, with the workshop's
participants being integral to its formation, lending their voices both physically and figuratively. I also challenged myself
to be self-referential. These pieces are a personal documentation of process and dialogue, a means not necessarily an end.
|
