Objectification of the female figure
Objectification is most commonly examined at a societal level, but indeed also arises at an individual level. To understand both the complicated identity and the subversive nature of the female, I have come to realize that in society’s view a woman’s potential – or lack thereof – is inextricably tied to her sexuality. Maria Maneos
In this series of female paintings, I draw inspiration from modern pop culture and high end fashion magazines. Making appropriations from famous advertisements, photographs, and film stills that touch on an all too-American sense of emptiness. My venture is to tell womanly stories that are inconclusive and open to interpretation, beautifully miserable beings poetically poised to suggest an uncertain end.
Venus of Urbino – Titian
Image licenced to Stephen Forsling
© Scala / Art Resource
The following Excerpt taken from Woman as Object, Woman as Subject by Shawn Daughhetee – Art has a long history of images that cater to the male gaze. One of the best examples of this is Titian’s Venus of Urbino. It is little more than 16th century porn. Everything about her panders to the male gaze from her inviting smile to her soft features. Her anatomy is exaggerated to better please the viewer. Follow her arm as it lays across her belly. There isn’t bone underneath that flesh. An arm can’t bend like that. Follow her arm down to her hand. Is she covering herself up? Or, is she getting things started? She is like the Classical Greek sculptures of Venus who are surprised that you caught them, but aren’t upset in the slightest. They have inviting smiles and cover up to draw attention to the fact that they are nude.