So now, we’re in the midst of writing the dissertation. The interest I have been developing in addressing issues of feminism through conceptual art has had a huge influence on deciding on my research topic. Since seeing her exhibition Situation, absolute, beach, man, rubble at the Whitechapel Gallery, my interest in the work of Sarah Lucas has increased.
She approaches several areas of feminist debate in different media throughout her portfolio.
– Objectification of women in advertising imagery as seen in Eating a Banana
– Visual representation of abusive misogynistic language through appropriation of everyday objects (Bitch)
– Direct appropriation of media imagery to accentuate the blatant misogyny inherent in western society (Seven Up)
Eating a Banana, 1990, Sarah Lucas (digital print on paper, 539x596mm)
Available at: http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/lucas-eating-a-banana-p78443
Bitch, 1995, Sarah Lucas (table, melons, t-shirt, vacuum-packed smoked fish, approx 80x100x50cm)
Available at: http://www.wmagazine.com/culture/art-and-design/2013/10/sarah-lucas-whitechapel/photos/slide/3
Seven Up, 1991, Sarah Lucas (photocopy on paper, 218.5cmx312.5cm)
Available at: http://www.saatchigallery.com/aipe/sarah_lucas.htm
I love her bold, confident ways of making such unapologetic artworks. Her subject matter is almost taboo nowadays, I think because having seen several ‘waves’ of the feminist movement, misogyny is still so prevalent. She doesn’t shy away from that taboo but grabs it and runs right at you.
Things I like:
bold, unashamed of broaching taboo subjects
loud and in your face
so simple but straight to the point
intelligence to her argument despite the frequent brashness and simplicity
How can I go about creating artwork with similarly powerful messages?
I worry that (knowing how my brain works) I will get too deep into research and passion for the subject and end up trying to get too clever!
I guess I want to be clever without it being obvious.
I think that means actually being clever though.
I don’t think I’m clever enough!
