From ancient fertility images to contemporary art, the female body has often been a focus of art works. Undoubtedly, these visuals have affected how we think, how we want to look, and what defines beauty. Tricia will trace the evolution and cultural impact of a few select famous paintings of the female body created by male artists throughout the history of art, including more current times when sexual imagery is used for the purpose of marketing, potentially damaging women’s self-esteem and identity.
Today the visual imagery of the female form in art, advertising and media has changed drastically. After giving the background of past depictions of women in art, she will discuss women artists that inspire us and are dramatically changing the art world to no longer see women as art objects. Contemporary female artists have the freedom to use their own vision – from two and three dimensional to performance art – and they will leave their indelible, permanent mark in art history.
