Essays

A comparative examination of portraits of the Modern Woman by Gustav Klimt and Barkley L. Hendricks.

Through this comparative essay I aim to examine the portraiture of ‘Adele Bloch-Bauer I’ by Gustav Klimt and ‘Lawdy Mama’ by Barkley L. Hendricks. In doing so I will explore the similarities and contrasts with regards to the portraits themselves, the artists approach, the use of materials, social influence and the relationship formed between the model, the artist, and the viewer.

How the 1970’s performance work Woman House exposed the downfall of second wave feminism.

This paper explores the theoretical versus realistic impact of second wave feminism. This is done through the critical analysis of the work of feminist artist Judy Chicago’s, concentrating on the work of Woman House. This collaborative feminist performance and installation space aimed to promote female empowerment inspired by the second wave feminist movement. This paper contains a critical analysis of the counterfactual nature of the Woman House performances and installations, aiming to uncover Eurocentric undertones which prioritises the white western voice creating room for white domination and privilege. Regardless of the original well-intentioned goals of the movement.