Seminar 2//The Gaze

A Summary

-Subjective and Objective view. 

-People look at others objectively, for example, students. 

-The Gaze looks at women in a objective way.

-Han's Memling 'vanity' (1485) represents social and cultural power. All artists at this point were men until about the late twentieth century. This image would have been painted for men. Creates a fantasy. 

-The female body is naturally more beautiful and delicate. therefore more worthy of artistic study. 

-Nude painting is a way that men can gaze at the female body while retaining class and no guilt. 

-The women is aware she is a sexual objects, knows she is being gazed at and revels in it. 

-A femininity that is create by a male. 

-Tv programmes presents similar ideas through people like Katie Price. Someone is easily controlled, easily persuaded and wants to appeal to men. 

Comparison

-1863, manet's painting rejected. One was looking away and the other looking at you therefore challenging the male gender. Can't see face therefore more of a sexual object and portrays no individual. The other suggests a barrier, more defensive tone. 

With the African slave offering flowers suggests a less male fantasy. 

Much more delicate and softer body positioning. The rose petal in the hand suggests a feminine tough. The way the hair is over the shoulder and the positioning of the head is delicate. The women looking after the child in the corner adds the image as a whole, displaying for a man an ideal women and home lifestyle. 

-1950's 

-Appealing for men

-A delicate gaze

-'My hobby is men', sums up the target audience.  

Irrational message but shows that women can be controlled.  

The power of the gaze. Suggests that the women can take can control of a male. Role reversed. Reflects an assertive femininity. Link product with successful women. A semi naked women looking at a male saying she 'can't cook' therefore proposes disappointment. Either being a domestic wife or a sexual object-two different male fantasies. 

Objectification of women

-Power

-Domination

-Control 

Sexuality

Fem-Submissive/Passive

Masc-Dominent/Active