ARH2601 ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2
ASSIGNMENT QUESTION
Write an essay in which you discuss the depiction of the female nude by TWO
(2) female artists. In your answer you should refer to Lynda Nead’s ideas on
the boundaries of the obscene in historical depictions of the female form.
Comparative examples should be taken from the Sander L. Gilman (2002)
article.
100 Marks
Title: Re-imagining the Female Nude: Feminist Perspectives on Motherhood in
Contemporary Art
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theoretical Framework
2.1. John Berger and the Male Gaze
2.2. Lynda Nead and the Historical Context
3. Feminist Interventions in the Female Nude
3.1. Overview of Feminist Art and the Female Body
4. Case Studies: Re-imagining Motherhood through Feminist Art
4.1. Artist 1: Cindy Sherman
4.2. Artist 2: Judy Chicago
5. Discussion
6. Conclusion
7. Bibliography
8. List of Figures
, 1. Introduction
The portrayal of the female nude has been a significant part of Western art for
centuries, often reinforcing traditional gender roles and objectifying women. Scholars
like John Berger and Lynda Nead have explored how these portrayals reflect and
perpetuate patriarchal views. In contrast, feminist artists challenge these traditional
depictions by reimagining the female body and its role, especially in the context of
motherhood. This essay delves into how feminist art addresses the female nude,
focusing on motherhood, and examines how these new portrayals offer a more
nuanced and empowered view of women.
2. Theoretical Framework
2.1. John Berger and the Male Gaze
John Berger’s Ways of Seeing (1972) introduces the concept of the "male gaze,"
which argues that traditional artworks depicting women are often created from a
male perspective that objectifies women. According to Berger, these images
reinforce a patriarchal view by reducing women to mere objects of male desire. This
critical perspective encourages viewers to rethink how gendered power dynamics
shape art and to question the portrayal and perception of women's bodies.
2.2. Lynda Nead and the Historical Context
Lynda Nead’s “The Female Nude: Art, Obscenity, and Sexuality” (1990) expands on
Berger’s ideas by exploring the historical and cultural contexts of the female nude.
Nead argues that these representations are deeply embedded in cultural narratives
about sexuality, morality, and societal norms. Her analysis reveals how historical
ASSIGNMENT QUESTION
Write an essay in which you discuss the depiction of the female nude by TWO
(2) female artists. In your answer you should refer to Lynda Nead’s ideas on
the boundaries of the obscene in historical depictions of the female form.
Comparative examples should be taken from the Sander L. Gilman (2002)
article.
100 Marks
Title: Re-imagining the Female Nude: Feminist Perspectives on Motherhood in
Contemporary Art
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theoretical Framework
2.1. John Berger and the Male Gaze
2.2. Lynda Nead and the Historical Context
3. Feminist Interventions in the Female Nude
3.1. Overview of Feminist Art and the Female Body
4. Case Studies: Re-imagining Motherhood through Feminist Art
4.1. Artist 1: Cindy Sherman
4.2. Artist 2: Judy Chicago
5. Discussion
6. Conclusion
7. Bibliography
8. List of Figures
, 1. Introduction
The portrayal of the female nude has been a significant part of Western art for
centuries, often reinforcing traditional gender roles and objectifying women. Scholars
like John Berger and Lynda Nead have explored how these portrayals reflect and
perpetuate patriarchal views. In contrast, feminist artists challenge these traditional
depictions by reimagining the female body and its role, especially in the context of
motherhood. This essay delves into how feminist art addresses the female nude,
focusing on motherhood, and examines how these new portrayals offer a more
nuanced and empowered view of women.
2. Theoretical Framework
2.1. John Berger and the Male Gaze
John Berger’s Ways of Seeing (1972) introduces the concept of the "male gaze,"
which argues that traditional artworks depicting women are often created from a
male perspective that objectifies women. According to Berger, these images
reinforce a patriarchal view by reducing women to mere objects of male desire. This
critical perspective encourages viewers to rethink how gendered power dynamics
shape art and to question the portrayal and perception of women's bodies.
2.2. Lynda Nead and the Historical Context
Lynda Nead’s “The Female Nude: Art, Obscenity, and Sexuality” (1990) expands on
Berger’s ideas by exploring the historical and cultural contexts of the female nude.
Nead argues that these representations are deeply embedded in cultural narratives
about sexuality, morality, and societal norms. Her analysis reveals how historical
