close
test_template

The Crucial Role of Gender and Sexuality in The Art History

Human-Written
download print

About this sample

About this sample

close
Human-Written

Words: 1442 |

Pages: 3|

8 min read

Updated: 15 November, 2024

Words: 1442|Pages: 3|8 min read

Updated: 15 November, 2024

Table of contents

  1. The Struggles of Female Artists
  2. The Concealment of Female Artists
  3. The Hidden Expression in Queer Art
  4. Conclusion: Acknowledging the Past
  5. References

Over the years, society's views have shaped what’s accepted in art, especially when it comes to female and queer artists. Even though we're seeing more works by these artists pop up, they've had a hard time getting the recognition they deserve. This struggle shows just how much gender and sexuality have been pushed aside in art history. Here, I'm gonna dive into some ideas from Christine Battersby, Aaron Betsky, Griselda Pollock, and Rozsika Parker to see how women got stuck with certain types of art, how their work got lost or miscredited, and how queer artists had to hide their true selves.

The Struggles of Female Artists

You can't deny that throughout time, women have had it rough due to all this ingrained misogyny—art history is no exception. Battersby’s book ‘Gender and Genius’ points out that we still link great artists with men. She mentions that women have to twist old anti-female myths just to create stuff like needlework. Women were often shut out from the male-dominated art scene, so they had to be really crafty about getting their foot in the door. Patricia Mainardi talks about how women turned to needlework as a creative outlet. It was universal among women across different races and classes.

Needlework wasn't just about showing off skills; it was a way for women to climb social ladders within their communities. Despite being a big part of women's art, people often dismiss it as simple craft rather than real art. In contrast, men's detailed work rarely gets overlooked.

The Concealment of Female Artists

Lately, women are starting to get more attention in the art world. But Betsky points out we're still living in a sexist world where women find a spot but usually within boundaries set by men. Although acceptance is growing, sexism’s shadow remains when it comes to unsigned or wrongly attributed artwork. Pollock and Parker show us how even with established forms like needlework, prejudices skewed interpretations.

Take Judith Leyster for example—her paintings were credited to her husband for ages because his work seemed more valuable at the time! The patriarchy twisted things so much that female artists' works often got overshadowed or even intentionally misattributed.

The Hidden Expression in Queer Art

Queer artists faced suppression too—their expressions hidden behind layers of meaning. Before 1861, people could get executed for same-sex relations! So you can imagine artists having to mask any gay themes deeply within their work. Betsky talks about how early queer spaces felt old yet anonymous—think Cecil Beaton’s work with its abstract illusions aimed at particular audiences while avoiding punishment.

Queer architecture also had hidden meanings—a building might look ordinary but carried deeper sensual purposes known only by those aware enough to see them (like Julia Morgan’s water-filled designs). Unfortunately back then if your art didn’t fit societal norms it went unnoticed despite its brilliance.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

Conclusion: Acknowledging the Past

In wrapping up all this talk on gender & sexuality roles—it becomes clear how much influence they’ve wielded over history—not always positively either! Women's genres restricted; their identities concealed—and don’t forget masked queer expressions—have all affected contributions made possible by these marginalized groups through forced limitations placed upon them simply because society wasn’t ready or willing enough at those times past which seems pretty unfair looking back now doesn’t it?

References

  • Battersby, C. (1989). Gender and Genius: Towards a Feminist Aesthetics.
  • Betsky, A. (1997). Queer Space: Architecture and Same-Sex Desire.
  • Mainardi, P. (1994). Quilts: The Great American Art Form.
  • Parker R., & Pollock G., (1981). Old Mistresses: Women, Art and Ideology.
  • Pollock G., (1988). Vision and Difference: Femininity Feminism And Histories Of Art.
Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
This essay was reviewed by
Dr. Charlotte Jacobson

Cite this Essay

The Crucial Role of Gender and Sexuality in the Art History. (2023, February 09). GradesFixer. Retrieved December 8, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-crucial-role-of-gender-and-sexuality-in-the-art-history/
“The Crucial Role of Gender and Sexuality in the Art History.” GradesFixer, 09 Feb. 2023, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-crucial-role-of-gender-and-sexuality-in-the-art-history/
The Crucial Role of Gender and Sexuality in the Art History. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-crucial-role-of-gender-and-sexuality-in-the-art-history/> [Accessed 8 Dec. 2024].
The Crucial Role of Gender and Sexuality in the Art History [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2023 Feb 09 [cited 2024 Dec 8]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-crucial-role-of-gender-and-sexuality-in-the-art-history/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now