Unit 5: Discussion - Art and the Human Body Introduction The human body is essential to how we understand the levels of identity such as gender, sexuality, race, and ethnicity. Many artists explore g

Unit 5: Discussion - Art and the Human Body

Introduction

The human body is essential to how we understand the levels of identity such as gender, sexuality, race, and ethnicity.  Many artists explore gender through representations of the body and by using their own bodies in their craft. 

Unit Learning Outcomes

Discuss some of the factors that have motivated artists to use their own bodies in works of art. (2, 3, 4)::

Differentiate between biological sex and gender and discuss some of the ways in which identity is constructed and how that manifests in art. (2, 3, 4)

Initial Post

In each unit discussion you will have a post where you address one or more of the questions posed.  A high-quality post will be:

on time

thoughtful

answer thoroughly

use specific examples of artwork and/or use sources including the text, and online or offline articles to support its points. 

Directions

Watch the following videos.

Research and explore for other information on these artists and their artwork.

Read the discussion questions below and leave your comments using the "Reply" prompt.

Make sure you proofread your posts and cite you sources using MLA format.

Videos

WHERE ARE THE WOMEN? WITH JEMIMA KIRKE https://youtu.be/AbUkraQIYv8

KIMSOOJA: "A BEGGAR WOMAN" & "A HOMELESS WOMAN" https://youtu.be/0le-hqLVJm0

CORNELIA PARKER – 'I'M DRAWN TO THINGS WITH A PAST' https://youtu.be/Z-zDGIEPxUo

SHERMAN, UNTITLED FILM STILL #21 https://youtu.be/0fPwsLeH8fA

VITO ACCONCI, TATESHOTS https://youtu.be/j_dqT-XeIjA

VITO ACCONCI, SECURITY ZONE (1971) https://youtu.be/Mu3rSdo-2oA

SHOT IN THE NAME OF ART | NEW YORK TIMES -  BURDEN https://youtu.be/drZIWs3Dl1k

CHRIS BURDEN - EXCLUSIVE CLIP https://youtu.be/6iiOxNeZTpo

CINDY SHERMAN AT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY https://youtu.be/f9Vh28sqXmQ

ROBERT LONGO ON CINDY SHERMAN'S UNTITLED FILM STILL #25 (1978) https://youtu.be/Z9kL0YMpQDg

Discussion Questions

Required questions:

Which artwork did you react most strongly to (positively or negatively)?

Talk about the image (and link if you can) and tell us what interested or repelled you about it.

Choose 1 (one) of the following questions to answer:

Pick two artists from Cindy Sherman, Kimsooja, Vito Acconci or Chris Burden.

What effects are created by the artists using their bodies as part of their own work?

Compare and contrast the two that you have chosen.

What kind of influence does identity have on an artist?

In what ways do you think gender, race, social class, or sexual orientation would have an effect on their work?

Use specific art examples.

What do you think Parker is encouraging us to think about with the Folkestone Mermaid?

Is she defying the notion that only idealized female bodies have a place in art, or perhaps encouraging us to see the everyday as something more heroic?

How do you think Sherman's work relates to the way we present ourselves in social media such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat etc?

Do we make up characters for ourselves the way she does?

How is that problematic and/or beneficial?