1.1 Defining Feminist Art History and its objectives

Feminist Art History shakes up traditional views of art. It looks at how gender and power shape art, pushing for equality in who makes art and who gets recognized. This approach digs into overlooked women artists and questions old ways of thinking about art.

By challenging the usual stories, Feminist Art History aims to broaden our view. It brings in diverse voices, rethinks what makes art great, and explores how power has shaped what we consider important in art history.

Defining Feminist Art History

Core Principles and Objectives

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Top images from around the web for Core Principles and Objectives

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  Intersectionality – Introduction to Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies View original

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  52 Photos Of Women Who Changed History Forever View original

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  They Persisted (in Making Art) | Getty Iris View original

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  Intersectionality – Introduction to Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies View original

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  52 Photos Of Women Who Changed History Forever View original

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• Feminist Art History examines art through the lens of gender dynamics and power structures
• Advocates for gender equality in art production, representation, and historical recognition
• Employs intersectionality to analyze how gender intersects with race, class, and sexuality in art
• Serves as a cultural critique challenging traditional art historical narratives and methodologies

Methodological Approaches

• Recovers and reevaluates overlooked or marginalized women artists throughout history
• Analyzes visual representations of women in art to uncover societal attitudes and biases
• Examines the gendered nature of art institutions, including museums, galleries, and academia
• Explores alternative art forms and mediums often associated with women's creative practices (textile arts, ceramics)

Historical Development and Key Figures

• Emerged in the 1970s alongside the second-wave feminist movement
• Influenced by pioneering feminist art historians (Linda Nochlin, Griselda Pollock)
• Evolved to incorporate diverse perspectives from global and postcolonial feminist theories
• Continues to expand its scope to address contemporary issues in art and visual culture

Revising the Canon

Challenging Traditional Art Historical Narratives

• Canon revision aims to broaden the scope of art history beyond Western male-dominated perspectives
• Critiques the established art historical narrative for its exclusion of diverse voices and experiences
• Reevaluates criteria for artistic greatness and cultural significance
• Examines how power structures have shaped the formation and perpetuation of the artistic canon

Recovering and Reintegrating Women Artists

• Uncovers forgotten or overlooked women artists throughout history (Artemisia Gentileschi, Hilma af Klint)
• Investigates the societal and institutional barriers that have limited women's participation in the arts
• Analyzes how gender biases have affected the reception and interpretation of women's artworks
• Explores the unique contributions and innovations of women artists to various art movements and styles

Expanding the Scope of Art History

• Incorporates diverse cultural perspectives and artistic traditions beyond the Western canon
• Examines the intersections of gender with race, class, and cultural identity in art production and reception
• Investigates alternative art forms and mediums traditionally associated with women's creative practices
• Considers the impact of feminist art history on contemporary art practices and curatorial approaches