Gender Issues in the Visual Arts

       The concepts and ideologies put forth through the Visual Arts is a direct correlation to the issues and beliefs of the culture(s) that the work was produced in. Any gender issue portrayed is then a statement toward society's views. Many would disagree, but I feel that equality issues are nearly resolved in our society, only a lingering of ignorance (on both sides) exists that will be extinguished within the next 100 years or so. Thus, I will focus on gender differences portrayed through the Visual Arts.

       Gender differences are an amazing phenomenon. Many people view these variants as a barrier that is hard to cross. Conversely, I feel that these differences should be enjoyed on an intellectual level, not a source of alienation.

       The only consistent variations between the sexes are those of their primary and secondary sexual characteristics. “Boys have penises and girls have vaginas,” said the little boy in Kindergarten Cop. This blunt statement from the youngster shocked the teacher, but, in fact, he was merely stating the main difference between male and female. He didn't say, “Boys are smart and girls are not,” or, “Girls are nice and boys are mean,” because those aren't true statements. Generally, men are larger in stature and build than women; women tend to be more nurturing; and emotional needs tend to differentiate. Yet, these statements are not true all the time either. The only logical, non-stereotypical differences that one could focus on is the biological sexual characteristics of man and woman. “Joy, Pregnant” by Saelon Renkes and Untitled by Douglas Kirkland are wonderful examples of the celebration of man and woman's physical differences.

       I feel that even stereotypical differences can be a source of enjoyment. Some people get irate at the possibility that an artist is making a gross generalization of one or the other genders. I think these should be looked at as much more—a view into the way that it sometimes is, not the way that it always is. To most viewers the subject matter of Howard Bingham's photograph “Ali and Joe Frazier Fight” would be termed one of masculinity. Even so, many women participate in events that demonstrate physical strength and endurance in the same manor. “Red Lipstick” by Laurie Simmons depicts the stereotype of women being forced to beautify themselves with make-up. Yet, many women choose not to change their appearance in this fashion, and furthermore some men choose to utilize these cosmetic materials.

       Eventually intellect and reason will win out and most differences that are generalized now will not be seen as male and female, but as individual differences. It seems like only then will the critics, with their easily hurt feelings, truly enjoy the differences that we now think of as gender based. Until then, I will go on enjoying works like “Household Nude” by Saelon Renkes that show stereotyped differences as well as George Losse's Untitled Studio Figures that show only the true variant of the sexes.