Post 4: Can You Name Five Women Artists?

Vanessa Beecroft, Marina Abramovic, Kara Walker, Beatriz Milhazes and Jenny Holzer are five contemporary artists that have impacted and improved my life in such a short period of time. Four of these five women were introduced to me through the blessings of this class, almost as if they were put in the slides specifically to leave an imprint on my life, and they did. I came across the fifth on this list by accident, but I am so glad I did. These five women have influenced the way I interpret and experience art, each of them influencing me in a different way.

The first time I came across the work of Vanessa Beecroft’s work was when I was witnessing Kanye West’s Runaway Music Video. The almost 10-minute video was constantly played in my house by my older sister and the dancing models show the distinct touch of Vanessa Beecroft. She was on my radar but sadly, I was still not appreciating her work. When Yeezy Season 1 and 2 came around I knew I had to take a dive into Beecroft’s art. Her art was politically and socially challenging, as well as influential and hard to look away from. Her “live paintings” are often performed by nude models which also challenge the expectations and depiction of the female nude. She is most famous for VB61 Still Death, Darfur, Still Deaf? which was a performance that reacted to the Darfur genocide that started in 2003 and is still ongoing today. To this day, Vanessa Beecroft is creating and influencing people with her creativity.

VB 61  Still Death, Darfur, Still Deaf? 

Marina Abramovic is another artist that is influential in the art community with her performance art. Her most popular works include Rhythm 0 and The Artist is Present, both pieces where the audience was allowed and encouraged to interact with Abromavic and get no reaction from her. In Rhythm 0, Abromavic set down 72 different things that could be used on her body, including roses, knives, and even a loaded gun. In The Artist is Present, viewers were waiting in line to sit across from her with only a table in between their complete silence. Abramovic's work tested the bounds and restrictions of the human body not only psychically but emotionally as well. Her work was crucial to the postmodern push of new ways to create art and continues to be influential to this day.

Kara Walker is another contemporary artist who is starting to receive the well-deserved recognition she earned. Kara Walker works with silhouette installations that challenge the norms and push viewers out of their comfort zone. She is known for exploring the crossings of race and gender as well as sexuality can be seen through the constant theme in her work. Her work is sometimes too emotional for some viewers but that’s the beauty of it. The contemporary feels of her work push us outside of our boundaries and force us to face it. Face the reality that is told in her work. Her work is often scenes of slavery, violence, or conflict. The intersectionality of her work gives you an uncomfortable feeling completely worth it. 

         Beatrix Milhazes is a Brazilian artist famous for her colorful paintings and prints that challenge Brazilian culture while still referencing modernist themes. Her most famous works include Carambola and Jamaica, where she challenges the peaceful expectations of viewers. In an interview she spoke about how she needed her art to show struggle, “There should be some struggle on the surface [to] create some activities for your eyes.” She currently works out of Rio De Janeiro but has works and collections all over the world. Most importantly to me, I sat next to on a flight to Brazil when I was 9, where I got to meet a great woman who is doing great things. She was a tremendous influence for me that summer after telling me to view things from two perspectives and continues to impact my life to this day.

     

Jenny Holzer is another American artist who continues to create today. Her work with neon lights creates a magical feeling that can only be described as incredible. Her art is often produced as anonymous instillations including her series Truisms, where she published provocative one-line phrases all over places that would be purposely seen by many people. Her art is so easily appreciated that it has been made into many other forms of art including t-shirts and posters you might have in your own bedroom. The public installations of her work are still happening today as she continues to question the social norms expected of her by the patriarchy.