VSA2150

The other side of the avant-garde: twentieth-century women's art history

Annette Van den Bosch

8 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: Two visual culture subjects at first-year level

Objectives To enable students to develop concepts of a feminist art history of European and American artists which is different to the dominant art historical methodology; for students to analyse women's imagery and art practice; examine and discuss key concepts and texts in feminist aesthetic theory and women's art history; develop a perception of the differences in careers and reputations of women artists to their male peers; critique the representation of women's cultural practices in museums and galleries.

Synopsis The subject examines different forms of art practice and careers of women artists in Europe and America in the twentieth century. The content covers the distinctive themes and imagery of women artists, questions concerning the nature of historical evidence in art history, the critical reception of women's art and their representation in museums. The subject will address feminist aesthetics and themes in women's art practice such as the representation of the body, expressionist and surrealist tendencies, documentary photography, sculpture and architectural practice, abstraction, colour and pattern painting, and political and feminist art. These topics focus on specific debates current in women's art history and criticism.

Assessment Seminar paper (2000 words): 30% - Essay (3000 words): 40% - Visual test (1.5 hours): 30%

Preliminary reading

Chadwick W Women, art and society Thames and Hudson, 1990

Prescribed texts

Broude N and Garrard M (eds) The expanding discourse: Feminism and art history Collins, 1992
Chadwick W and Cortivron I (eds) Significant others: Creativity and intimate partnership Thames and Hudson, 1993
Deepwell K (ed.) New feminist art criticism Manchester U P, 1995
Pollock G Vision and difference: Feminism and art history Routledge, 1988
Slatkin W (ed.) The voices of women artists Prentice-Hall, 1993

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