5 Female Artists: Censorship
Throughout the evolution of art and the progression of time, censorship of art has played a significant role in the production of content. In my opinion, censorship is defined as the removal or suppression of an image, object, or person due to society’s political, social, moral, or cultural practices. Female artists have not only been told how to live their lives, but they also have to deal with being objectified by men of the creative and real world. To combat this recurring issue and constant obstacle, female artists have chose to embrace their bodies; no longer are they living to please men or abide by their rules, but now they are taking control of their bodies, sexuality, and identity. Artists, such as Katya Grokhovsky, Rupi Kaur, Rhiannon Schneiderman, Rebecca Morgan, and Marilyn Minter, have been advocates and proud ambassadors of feminism. Art is a form of communication in which these artists are able to create narratives and provide a means for the world to receive the message of inclusiveness and equality for all.
Katya Grokhovsky is an artist whose mediums consist of photography, performance, sculpting, painting, and drawing to express her ideas on gender roles, gender identity, and the self. In her words, Grokhovsky is “interested in the histories of migration and displacement, whilst enacting the bodies of the historically oppressed, in relation to the preconceived social order. Many of her projects deal with protest and freedom through failure, via radical and humorous actions, personas and costume: reclaiming the body through pleasure, chaos and refusal, residing in the space between kitsch and grotesque.” The feminist idea is one that emphasizes that men and women are individuals and should be treated as such regardless of their natural differences. As we can see in her piece “One Fine Day,” society, particularly through social media, forces upon us “body goals” and ideal looks that seem unnatural to many. She uses this work as an affirmation to women all over to love yourself and to find happiness within your own life rather than seeking approval from the masses.
 |
| Katya Grokhovsky, One Fine Day, 2014 |
Another artist who is seeking change to the rules on censorship in the art world is Rupi Kaur. Kaur is an author, illustrator, and photographer who has always had an affinity for the artistic side of life. She began drawing and painting at the age of five, and after receiving her degree published her first set of poems called “Milk and Honey” in 2014.
One of her latest university photography projects focuses on the conversation restraint of people in reference to the female menstrual cycle. She decided to post one of the flicks--her fully clothed laying on a bed with blood-stained spot in between her legs and on the sheets--on Instagram. Instagram, then, deleted the post and stated the post violated their Terms & Conditions. Unfazed, she posted the portrait again, and it was deleted. At this point, she was furious because her post was being deleted without a response or feedback of why--despite Facebook leaving the post up. Therefore, she took her words of frustration to Facebook and posted her dissatisfaction detailing the outreach and influence the post had on the network. Instagram responded then added the post back. Her advocacy and fight for the selective censorship is what many of us as individuals are not recognizing or are afraid to speak up about. Instagram allows women to be half-naked, “twerking,” etc. but won’t embrace something as natural as the female menstrual cycle because of how uncomfortable people get. She describes it as the “pride of misogynist society.” Her intention was to expose censorship for what it is; her intents were geared towards “forcing viewers to look and tackle their fears head on” (Kaur).
 |
| Rupi Kaur, Period, 2017 |
Next, Rhiannon Schneiderman is a photographer who also highlights the importance of self-confidence and continues to stretch the boundaries of censorship. One of her works is titled the “Lady Mane” series. This series is evidently about women empowerment. Nowadays, women are shamed and cast away if they do not meet the societal standards of beauty. In 2019, women are pressed to be shaven, hairless, slim waist with large bosoms and bottoms. Schneiderman allows her platform to speak itself. Her using her own body in her own pieces is empowering women to be proud of who they are and reclaim beauty for themselves. Entitling her series” Lady Mane” is also impressive in my opinion. A mane is usually seen on the heads of lions and horses--animals seen as majestic and strong--and can now reference the pubic hairs of a woman.
 |
| Rhiannon Schneiderman, Part of the Lady Mane |
In conjunction, we have Rebecca Morgan who paints, draws, and deals with ceramics. In a TOH! magazine interview, Morgan responds to a question regarding the manner in which the characters are drawn in comparison to today’s norm:
For me, the characters represent a real kind of blissful ignorance — they're totally happy living in the country and doing their own thing. They're totally fine with looking so hideous and awful, it’s of no consequence to them. It doesn’t matter- most of the time they are smiling away. In my mind, that gives them power- to be so confident and content, although covered in acne, wrinkles, and blemishes, is the ultimate love of one’s self and self-acceptance (Morgan).
Morgan’s statement sums up the mindset of what many of these contemporary artists are looking to address in their pieces.
Her vibrant colors and exaggerated features are signatures of her works. Minter is a firm believer in never settling. In her paintings, she has many unorthodox aspects that contradict the norm of art today--the nudity, the “ugliness,” a society-accepted beautiful girl--which all show her courageous and leader mentality to ignite the feminists and supporters of the movement to do as they please. She, in turn, challenges the “rules” of censorship by being daring enough to put out masterpieces such as the following:
 |
| Rebecca Morgan, I Love New York, 2011 |
 |
| Rebecca Morgan, Prize Jugs, 2011 |
And finally, Marilyn Minter, a painter and photographer, who is also a user of the hyperrealistic style of paintings and photographs. Her works are intended to help understand our culture’s traditions and challenge the emotions towards feminism and the woman’s body. The nudity in this photograph is celebrated and embraced.
 |
| Steam 3 |
 |
| Vapor, 2016 |
 |
| Nebulous, 2018 |
In conclusion, gender identity, equality, objectification of women and many more issues we deal with are being brought to this society's attention in various ways. Protesting and speaking in front of large crowds may not be the way to solidify fairness. Allowing the creatives to lead a movement that is attacking society's norms head-on gives us a better, more in-depth explanation of the injustices today and how our communities continue to suppress individuality. For instance, "The Dinner Party" had the input of 39 women and creating art involving nudity, beauty, and uniqueness while challenging the norms already set in place.
Works Cited
“Marilyn Minter.” Artnet, www.artnet.com/artists/marilyn-minter/?type=prints-and-multiples.
“Rebecca Morgan - Exhibitions.” Asya Geisberg Gallery, www.asyageisberggallery.com/exhibitions/rebecca-morgan2.
“Rebecca Morgan.” Rebecca Morgan, rebeccamorganart.com/news.html.
“STATEMENT.” Katya Grokhovsky, www.katyagrokhovsky.net/statement
No comments:
Post a Comment