12.3 Feminist and queer theory

Feminist and queer theories challenge societal norms around gender and sexuality. These frameworks emerged as critical responses to inequality, inspiring artists to question power dynamics through their work. Performance art became a powerful medium for exploring these ideas.

Artists use their bodies as political sites, subverting gender norms and increasing visibility for marginalized identities. Notable figures like Judy Chicago and Robert Mapplethorpe have shaped these movements, influencing contemporary discussions on representation and identity in art.

Origins of feminist theory

• Feminist theory emerged as a critical response to societal gender inequalities and patriarchal structures
• Rooted in social, political, and philosophical discourses, feminist theory challenges traditional power dynamics
• In performance art, feminist theory inspires artists to question and subvert gender roles through their work

First-wave feminism

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• Focused on women's suffrage and legal rights in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• Emphasized equality under the law, particularly voting rights for women
• Key figures included Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton
• Culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in the United States (1920)

Second-wave feminism

• Emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, expanding focus to broader issues of gender inequality
• Addressed workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and domestic violence
• Popularized the phrase "the personal is political" to highlight systemic nature of oppression
• Notable activists included Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem
• Influenced performance art through works challenging traditional female roles and body image

Third-wave feminism

• Began in the 1990s as a response to perceived limitations of second-wave feminism
• Embraced intersectionality, recognizing the interconnected nature of social categorizations
• Emphasized individual empowerment and rejected universal definitions of femininity
• Explored themes of sexuality, gender performativity, and reclaiming derogatory terms
• Influenced performance art by encouraging diverse representations and personal narratives

Key concepts in feminism

• Feminist theory provides a framework for analyzing power structures and gender relations in society
• These concepts have significantly influenced performance art, inspiring artists to create works that challenge societal norms
• Feminist performance art often incorporates these key ideas to provoke thought and inspire social change

Patriarchy and oppression

• Patriarchy refers to social systems where men hold primary power and privilege
• Oppression manifests through economic, political, and social structures that disadvantage women
• Feminist theory analyzes how patriarchal systems perpetuate gender inequality
• Performance artists often critique patriarchal structures through their work
  • Use of symbolism to represent male dominance (phallic objects)
  • Subversion of traditional female roles in performances

Gender as social construct

• Challenges the notion that gender roles and behaviors are innate or biologically determined
• Argues that gender is learned and reinforced through social interactions and cultural norms
• Simone de Beauvoir's famous quote "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman" encapsulates this concept
• Performance artists explore this idea by:
  • Blurring gender lines in their appearances and actions
  • Creating characters that defy traditional gender expectations

Intersectionality

• Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality examines how various forms of oppression intersect
• Recognizes that individuals may face multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination (race, class, gender)
• Emphasizes the importance of considering multiple identities in understanding oppression
• In performance art, intersectionality is explored through:
  • Multifaceted representations of identity in performances
  • Collaborations between artists from diverse backgrounds

Queer theory foundations

• Queer theory emerged as an extension and critique of feminist and gay/lesbian studies
• It challenges fixed notions of gender and sexuality, influencing performance art practices
• Queer theory in performance art encourages exploration of fluid identities and non-normative expressions

Emergence from feminist theory

• Queer theory developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s as an offshoot of feminist and gay/lesbian studies
• Sought to expand discussions of gender and sexuality beyond binary frameworks
• Challenged essentialist notions of identity present in some feminist thought
• Influenced performance art by encouraging more fluid and diverse representations of gender and sexuality

Influence of poststructuralism

• Poststructuralist ideas about language and power heavily influenced queer theory
• Emphasized the role of discourse in shaping reality and identity
• Questioned the stability of meaning and the existence of universal truths
• In performance art, poststructuralist influence led to:
  • Deconstruction of traditional narratives and character representations
  • Exploration of multiple, shifting meanings within a single performance

Judith Butler's contributions

• Butler's work, particularly "Gender Trouble" (1990), was foundational to queer theory
• Introduced the concept of gender performativity
• Argued that gender is not innate but performed through repeated acts
• Challenged the sex/gender distinction, suggesting both are socially constructed
• Butler's ideas influenced performance artists to:
  • Create works that highlight the constructed nature of gender
  • Experiment with gender performances that subvert societal expectations

Core ideas in queer theory

• Queer theory challenges heteronormative assumptions and binary thinking about gender and sexuality
• It emphasizes the fluidity and performative nature of identities
• In performance art, queer theory inspires works that disrupt conventional narratives and representations

Performativity of gender

• Builds on Butler's concept that gender is not innate but performed through repeated actions
• Suggests that gender is created and reinforced through social interactions and cultural norms
• Challenges the idea of a "natural" or "essential" gender identity
• Performance artists explore this concept by:
  • Creating characters that shift between gender presentations
  • Highlighting the artificiality of gender norms through exaggerated performances

Heteronormativity vs queerness

• Heteronormativity refers to the assumption that heterosexuality is the default or "normal" sexual orientation
• Queerness challenges this assumption by embracing non-normative sexualities and gender identities
• Queer theory examines how heteronormativity is reinforced through social institutions and cultural practices
• In performance art, this concept is explored through:
  • Works that celebrate non-heterosexual relationships and desires
  • Performances that challenge traditional family structures and romantic narratives

Deconstruction of binaries

• Queer theory seeks to break down rigid categories of gender, sexuality, and identity
• Challenges the idea that identities must fit into neat, oppositional categories (male/female, gay/straight)
• Emphasizes the spectrum of possibilities between and beyond binary categories
• Performance artists engage with this concept by:
  • Creating characters that embody multiple or ambiguous identities
  • Using costumes and props that blur traditional gender signifiers

Feminist and queer performance art

• Feminist and queer performance art challenges societal norms and expectations around gender and sexuality
• These art forms often use provocative and unconventional methods to convey their messages
• Performance artists in these traditions frequently blur the lines between art and activism

Body as political site

• Views the human body as a canvas for expressing political and social messages
• Emphasizes the personal nature of political struggles related to gender and sexuality
• Performance artists use their bodies to:
  • Challenge beauty standards and objectification
  • Highlight issues of bodily autonomy and reproductive rights
  • Explore the impact of societal norms on individual bodies

Subversion of gender norms

• Involves challenging and disrupting traditional expectations of gender roles and expression
• Often includes performances that exaggerate or parody gender stereotypes
• Performance artists subvert gender norms through:
  • Cross-dressing and drag performances
  • Creating characters that embody non-binary or fluid gender identities
  • Challenging assumptions about gendered behaviors and appearances

Representation and visibility

• Focuses on increasing the visibility of marginalized identities and experiences
• Aims to challenge dominant narratives and stereotypes about gender and sexuality
• Performance artists address representation by:
  • Creating works that center LGBTQ+ experiences and perspectives
  • Collaborating with diverse artists to showcase a range of identities
  • Critiquing mainstream media representations of gender and sexuality

Notable feminist artists

• Feminist artists have played a crucial role in challenging gender norms and advocating for women's rights
• Their work often addresses themes of body politics, sexuality, and gender inequality
• These artists have significantly influenced the development of feminist performance art

Judy Chicago

• Pioneering feminist artist known for large-scale collaborative projects
• Created "The Dinner Party" (1974-1979), a monumental installation celebrating women's achievements
• Focused on reclaiming women's history and challenging male-dominated art world
• Incorporated traditionally feminine crafts (ceramics, needlework) into fine art
• Established the first feminist art program at California State University, Fresno

Carolee Schneemann

• Multidisciplinary artist known for groundbreaking performances exploring sexuality and the body
• Created "Interior Scroll" (1975), a performance involving reading from a scroll extracted from her vagina
• Challenged taboos surrounding female sexuality and menstruation in her work
• Incorporated her own body as both subject and medium in performances
• Influenced later generations of feminist performance artists through her bold, confrontational approach

Marina Abramović

• Serbian performance artist known for pushing physical and mental limits in her work
• Created "Rhythm 0" (1974), allowing audience members to use various objects on her body
• Explores themes of endurance, pain, and the relationship between performer and audience
• Collaborated with partner Ulay on performances examining male-female dynamics
• Continues to influence contemporary performance art through her long-duration works

Influential queer artists

• Queer artists have made significant contributions to challenging heteronormative assumptions in art
• Their work often explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the AIDS crisis
• These artists have played a crucial role in increasing LGBTQ+ visibility in the art world

Robert Mapplethorpe

• American photographer known for his stylized black-and-white portraits and nudes
• Explored themes of homoeroticism and BDSM in his work, challenging societal taboos
• Created controversial X Portfolio featuring explicit gay imagery
• Faced censorship and sparked debates about public funding for the arts
• His work continues to influence discussions about representation of queer sexuality in art

Felix Gonzalez-Torres

• Cuban-American artist known for minimalist installations addressing love, loss, and the AIDS crisis
• Created "Untitled" (Perfect Lovers) (1991), featuring two synchronized clocks
• Used everyday objects (candy, light bulbs) to create interactive, ephemeral artworks
• Explored themes of same-sex relationships and the impact of AIDS on the gay community
• His work blended personal experiences with broader social and political issues

Catherine Opie

• American photographer known for portraits of LGBTQ+ communities and American landscapes
• Created "Self-Portrait/Cutting" (1993), featuring a child-like drawing carved into her back
• Documented diverse queer subcultures, including leather communities and drag kings
• Challenges stereotypes and increases visibility of marginalized LGBTQ+ identities
• Her work explores the intersection of queer identity with broader American culture

Intersections with other theories

• Feminist and queer theories intersect with various other critical frameworks
• These intersections highlight the complexity of identity and oppression
• In performance art, these intersections inspire works that address multiple forms of marginalization

Postcolonial feminism

• Critiques Western feminism's tendency to universalize women's experiences
• Examines how colonialism and imperialism impact gender relations in non-Western contexts
• Addresses issues of cultural difference, representation, and global power dynamics
• Performance artists explore postcolonial feminism through:
  • Works that challenge Eurocentric beauty standards
  • Performances addressing the impact of colonialism on indigenous gender systems

Transfeminism

• Combines transgender studies with feminist theory
• Advocates for the rights and inclusion of trans women within feminist movements
• Challenges cisnormative assumptions in traditional feminist thought
• In performance art, transfeminism is explored through:
  • Works that highlight trans experiences and identities
  • Performances challenging the gender binary and celebrating gender diversity

Crip theory

• Examines the intersection of disability studies with queer and feminist theories
• Challenges ableist assumptions and promotes disability as a form of diversity
• Questions normative ideas about bodies, minds, and abilities
• Performance artists engage with crip theory by:
  • Creating works that challenge able-bodied norms in performance
  • Exploring the intersection of disability with gender and sexuality

Contemporary issues

• Feminist and queer theories continue to evolve, addressing new challenges and technologies
• These contemporary issues reflect changing social landscapes and emerging forms of activism
• Performance artists engage with these topics to create relevant and thought-provoking works

Digital feminism and cyberfeminism

• Explores the impact of digital technologies on gender relations and feminist activism
• Addresses issues of online harassment, digital divide, and representation in tech industries
• Examines the potential of the internet for feminist organizing and community-building
• Performance artists engage with digital feminism through:
  • Online performances and digital art projects
  • Works that critique social media's impact on body image and self-presentation

Queer ecology

• Examines the intersection of queer theory with environmental studies
• Challenges heteronormative assumptions in traditional ecological thought
• Explores how ideas about nature and the "natural" have been used to justify discrimination
• Performance artists explore queer ecology through:
  • Works that challenge the nature/culture binary
  • Performances addressing environmental issues from queer perspectives

Non-binary and genderqueer identities

• Focuses on identities that fall outside the traditional gender binary
• Challenges the idea that all individuals must identify as either male or female
• Explores the spectrum of gender identities and expressions
• Performance artists address non-binary identities by:
  • Creating characters and personas that embody non-binary experiences
  • Developing new visual and performative languages for expressing gender diversity

Critiques and controversies

• Feminist and queer theories have faced various critiques and internal debates
• These controversies reflect the diverse perspectives within feminist and queer communities
• Performance artists often engage with these debates through their work, contributing to ongoing discussions

Essentialism vs constructivism

• Debate over whether gender differences are innate (essentialist) or socially constructed
• Essentialists argue for inherent differences between men and women
• Constructivists view gender as shaped by social and cultural factors
• Performance artists explore this debate through:
  • Works that highlight the fluidity of gender roles
  • Performances that question biological determinism

Trans-exclusionary radical feminism

• Controversial stance that excludes trans women from feminist spaces and activism
• Argues that trans women's experiences differ fundamentally from those of cisgender women
• Widely criticized for perpetuating transphobia and reinforcing gender binaries
• Performance artists address this issue by:
  • Creating works that celebrate trans identities within feminist contexts
  • Challenging exclusionary practices through inclusive performances

Homonormativity debates

• Critiques the assimilation of LGBTQ+ communities into heteronormative structures
• Questions whether mainstream acceptance comes at the cost of radical queer politics
• Examines issues of representation and diversity within LGBTQ+ communities
• Performance artists engage with homonormativity through:
  • Works that challenge mainstream gay and lesbian representations
  • Performances exploring alternative relationship structures and queer subcultures

Impact on performance studies

• Feminist and queer theories have significantly influenced the field of performance studies
• These theories have expanded the scope of what is considered performance and how it is analyzed
• Performance artists continue to draw on and contribute to these theoretical frameworks

Feminist theatre practices

• Challenges male-dominated theatrical traditions and representations of women
• Emphasizes collaborative and non-hierarchical production methods
• Explores women's experiences and perspectives through innovative staging techniques
• Includes practices such as:
  • Consciousness-raising groups as a basis for creating performances
  • Reinterpretation of classic texts from feminist perspectives

Queer temporality in performance

• Examines how queer experiences of time differ from heteronormative life trajectories
• Challenges linear narratives and explores alternative ways of structuring performances
• Considers how queerness disrupts traditional notions of past, present, and future
• Performance artists explore queer temporality through:
  • Non-linear or cyclical performance structures
  • Works that blend historical and contemporary queer experiences

Embodiment and phenomenology

• Focuses on the lived experience of the body in performance
• Examines how gender and sexuality are experienced and expressed through the body
• Draws on phenomenological philosophy to analyze the performer-audience relationship
• Performance artists engage with embodiment through:
  • Works that highlight sensory experiences and bodily awareness
  • Performances that challenge traditional boundaries between performer and spectator