Structured Essay
Examine selected artworks by:
Yasumasa Morimura, Julie Rrap and Anne Zahalka. How do the works of Yasumasa Morimura, Julie Rrap and Anne Zahalka challenge conventional ways in which gender has been depicted historically in the visual arts? In your response select at least two different artists and discuss the following: * Through the postmodern frame of reference, explain how artists have appropriated historical artworks. How has the artist incorporated parody and wit into the work? In what way has the artist questioned the values implied in the original artwork? * Explain ways in which the artist has become the subject of the work. What issues does this raise about the, role of the artist, Subject matter, art world and audience. * How does the artist examine historical representations of male and female stereotypes in the visual arts? How do perceptions change across cultures?
Julie Rrap
The works of contemporary artists such as Yasumasa Morimura, Julie Rrap and Anne Zahalka recontextualize the way gender is attributed with art via the post-modern frame. The main channel used to achieve this idea has involved the reversal of roles of gender, where the woman is depicted as the dominant character and the man must subjugate and adjust himself to suit her body position. The artworks targeted by these renowned artists are well known established pieces that are historically rich and evaluate the zeitgeist of their time; these traits are still evident within the metropolis of today. All three artists focus on the theme of gender and all seek to challenge the traditional view of the role of gender in visual art, yet their individual target audience centres on different facets of society, though what holds true is their voyeur. Yasumasa Morimura chooses to shock the viewer by replacing the female role with himself; this appropriation challenges our attitudes towards arts masterpieces and whether they are still valid in this