Sexually Explicit Art, Feminist Theory, and Gender in the 1970s

This book explores the relationships between art, feminist theory, gender, and sexuality through a systematic examination of a diverse range of artworks. It investigates the potential of sexually explicit art to challenge societal norms and promote agency for marginalized subjectivities. The author focuses on works by four US-American artists and situates them within the context of the 1970s Sexual Liberation Movements.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive monograph delves into the intricate connections between art, feminist theory, gender, and sexuality, utilizing sexual desire as its central analytical category. With a deliberate focus on examining a diverse range of artworks, the book aims to explore the multifaceted entanglements of these elements. By purposefully engaging with a heterogeneous array of artistic expressions, the author seeks to shed light on the potential of sexually explicit art to challenge socially constructed notions of sexuality and gender. Moreover, the book explores the sexually explicit as a means to reclaim agency for marginalized subjectivities and to emancipate desire from within the patriarchal and heteronormative system.

In order to accomplish this, the author conducts distinct case studies on the works of four US-American artists: Robert Mapplethorpe, Joan Semmel, Betty Tompkins, and Tee A. Corinne. These artists are chosen to highlight their contributions to contemporaneous debates associated with the insurgent Sexual Liberation Movements of the 1970s. By situating their works within this historical context, the author provides valuable insights into the ways in which art can contribute to the broader social and political discourse surrounding gender and sexuality.

The book is of immense interest to scholars engaged in the fields of art history, visual culture, and gender and sexuality studies. It offers a rich and nuanced exploration of the complex relationships between art, sexuality, and gender, providing valuable insights into the ways in which these elements intersect and influence one another. Through its systematic approach and comprehensive analysis, the book contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the representation of sexuality and gender in art and society.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032126593