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Although historically marginalized, women artists have a central place in the history of socially conscious art. They have always expressed their sympathetic visions of the marginalized and oppressed “others,” and voiced their discontent with the political and social injustices around them, including the lack of equal opportunity and choice for both women and men. The women artists presented in “Transitions” make a powerful contribution to the tradition of socially conscious art in America by boldly expressing their critical visions on female body image. Every artist shapes her own discontent with the predominant standard of the ideal woman’s body and her personal rebellion against it. Although the visual media differ, the collection of artwork as a whole raises the important question of who really defines the woman’s identity in America today?
The media, corporate advertising, Hollywood all shape so much of our vision of the world, including our notion of body and identity. Why is a woman supposed to be a size six, beautiful, wrinkle-free in order to feel good, in order to be a “success?” Is there something wrong with her, or with the looking glass she is presented each day? Why does there seem to be an obsession with breasts in the media and what are the implications of this? How can women meet the unrealistic standards of appearance, and what happens when illness dramatically alters a woman’s body and her perception of it? Is it not time for women to deny their objectification in society and become subjects valuable it their own right? These are the questions that all of “Transitions” artists raise and it is our goal to engage and challenge the audience to critically search for their own answers by themselves. Where do you personally stand?
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