Underdog Week: Nochlin & Vincent van Gogh...
This week we will address the situation of women artists and innovators, especially as they participate in the visual arts. The question under scrutiny in the Nochlin reading is whether or not women have made significant contributions to the visual arts. I know the reading can be difficult but it is worth your time and consideration as women are entering visual arts studies at a rapid pace. If women are barred from serious consideration of their work when people choose to believe that there are no great women artists, then the visual arts are indeed an occupation closed to considerations of new work.
Here are some web sites that will enhance your understanding of this week's reading:
Linda Nochlin
- First is Linda Noclin's bio from New York University's Institute of Fine Arts. Dr. Nochlin does not have a university-related web site, but she does have a list of publications on this site.
- Where the Great Women Artists Are Now: An interview with Linda Nochlin
- Jessica Cresseveur's A Women’s History Month Tribute to Linda Nochlin
- See the 2001 reply to Nochlin's essay by Ann Landi from Art News online.
- Phoebe Hoban's "We're finally infiltrating!" from ARt News
- Carly Berwisck's artcile Why Have There Been No Great Women Comic-Book Artists?
van Gogh
- The van Gogh Gallery is by far the best resource for both van Gogh's letters and work.
Guide Questions:
The following questions are designed to fine tune your understanding of the reading. The subject matter and answers to these questions form the basis of what you will be required to know for exams.
Objective: to determine if women are included in the category "great artists". In addition, we'll look at van Gogh who faced rejection of his work during his lifetime. The connection I am trying to draw is that women artists may not have received recognition for their talents in the mainstream art community yet! Just as interest in van Gogh's work grew after his death, it is possible that women artists are on the rise to prominence in the visual arts and have yet to attain the recognition in the artist and critical communities.
Nochlin Guide Questions:
- What are the assumptions behind the question: "why are there no great women artists?"?
- Is it true that women have not "achieved anything of major significance in the visual arts"? What about in your field of study? Are women innovators on the cutting edge in your field?
- Do women (as a group) have an identifiable style in any art form? Are there some kinds of art that are easily identifiable as the "work of women?"
- How does Nochlin suggest that we ought to understand the connection between social class and the propagation of artistic genius?
- What is Nochlin's assertion concerning aristocracy and art?
- Do women have too many social responsibilities to devote time to the creation of professional art?
- What is the traditional perceived connection between genius and art creation? How does genius happen? Does one have to be a genius to create viable works of art?
van Gogh Guide Questions:
- The first few pages describe van Gogh's family background and entrance into the art world. Even though van Gogh had obvious connections in the art community, how might he be conceived as an underdog?
- Potato Eaters: Why does van Gogh choose to paint the peasants? What is the connection between van Gogh's situation and the peasants' that makes this painting especially poignant?
- Describe van Gogh's stylistic approach to technique.
- Why does van Gogh admire the Japanese painters?
- What is van Gogh's emotional aim when painting?
- Why does van Gogh value the capacity to "work from memory"? What is the skill level required to accomplish this feat?
Smartboard Notes from Week 2 Lecture:
Class Lecture Notes Aesthetics Week 3, Monday
Characteristics of the Great Artist or “Lone Genius”
- An innovative vision is necessary
- Dedication
- Persistence
- Tons of time for practice
- Encouragement and support from family and friends
- Connections & networking ability
- Experience
Which categories above would have been hard for women to achieve throughout history?
Activity: Find one contemporary woman artist who is prominent in your field at present. You may use either the library or the Internet. Be sure to photocopy information that shows what the artist is involved in, age, education, projects, etc.