Addressing the Other Woman: Textual Correspondences in Feminist Art and Writing

The book explores how three artists in the 1960s and 1970s used text and images of writing to challenge female stereotypes and imagine women beyond familiar words and images of subordination. It places the artists in correspondence with three writers who also addressed the limited range of images through which women can become visible, aiming to make the artworks' aspirations more concrete.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 27 December 2017
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This captivating book delves into the fascinating artistic endeavors of three trailblazing artists during the vibrant 1960s and 1970s: Adrian Piper, Nancy Spero, and Mary Kelly. These artists sought to challenge prevailing female stereotypes and engage viewers in a thought-provoking project aimed at envisioning women beyond the confines of familiar words and images of subordination. Through the concept of "the other woman," they envisioned a utopian world where artists could connect with women across similarities and differences. To bring these artistic aspirations to life, the book places the artists in correspondence with three influential writers: Angela Davis, Valerie Solanas, and Laura Mulvey. These writers, too, recognized the limited range of images through which women could become visible and sought to expand the possibilities for female representation.

Adrian Piper, known for her bold and thought-provoking installations, explored the intersection of language and visual representation. She incorporated text and images of writing into her works, challenging traditional notions of femininity and challenging viewers to engage with the complexities of gender identity. Piper's use of typography and color played a significant role in shaping her messages, creating a visual language that was both powerful and visually striking.

Nancy Spero, another pioneering artist, worked primarily with text and images of writing to explore the power of language and its ability to shape perceptions. Her works often featured fragmented sentences and collages, creating a sense of disjointedness and ambiguity that encouraged viewers to engage with the text on multiple levels. Spero's use of typography and color was also instrumental in conveying her messages, creating a visual language that was both visually stimulating and thought-provoking.

Mary Kelly, a multimedia artist, combined text, images, and performance to explore the complexities of female identity and the role of language in shaping perceptions. Her works often featured a combination of personal narratives and cultural commentary, creating a rich and layered exploration of gender roles and stereotypes. Kelly's use of color, texture, and sound was instrumental in creating a sensory experience that resonated with her viewers.

Through their artistic endeavors, Adrian Piper, Nancy Spero, and Mary Kelly challenged traditional notions of femininity and gender roles. They sought to expand the boundaries of visual representation and encourage viewers to engage with the complexities of gender identity. Their works continue to inspire and influence artists today, reminding us of the power of art to shape our understanding of the world and to challenge the status quo.

In conclusion, this book offers a profound exploration of the artistic dimensions of language in the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting the contributions of three trailblazing artists who sought to challenge prevailing female stereotypes and expand the possibilities for female representation. Through the concept of "the other woman," these artists envisioned a utopian world where artists could connect with women across similarities and differences, and through their correspondence with influential writers, they sought to bring these artistic aspirations to life. Their works continue to inspire and influence artists today, reminding us of the power of art to shape our understanding of the world and to challenge the status quo.

Weight: 810g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526121264