Scan barcode
rebecca_arch_art's review
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
I think this has been my favourite read of 2023 so far. I’ve read a lot of feminist literature (fiction and non-fiction) this year, that throws a spotlight on what women have been denied, or has been missing from our lives, whereas this book has been a celebration of what can be added back into history and into my understanding of the world.
It’s been fascinating to discover how these artists have responded to world events over the last 1000 years, from war to revolution and developments in science, technology and the media. The obscuring of women from art history really does serve to explain the purpose of art itself. To make sense of the world and our place in it, as we all fight for understanding and significance in an ever increasing world that makes us feel confused and insignificant.
While not excusing, but potentially explaining why women have been actively minimised in the art world, I was struck by the realisation that space and attention are finite, and male artists pushed female artists aside in an attempt to hold that space for themselves.
There are several examples in this book of uncredited female inspiration for famous male works, and in some cases, downright theft of female art by male artists, that will have you questioning the very art history you thought you knew.
Wonderfully intersectional, Hessel ensures that the full gender spectrum away from male, is showcased, as well as art and contributions from across the globe. It feels like I’d been reading a history book with every other page torn out for the last few decades as I’ve started to explore my interest in art, and it has filled me with a renewed belief in my ability, the topics I care to represent, and the importance and talent of female artists since art began.
I recommend you read this book with a laptop/tablet/phone close to hand, as you will want to look up the pieces mentioned in the book that are not pictured. I found this really enhanced my experience, to add more images and visual stimuli. It’s also helpful to discuss the chapters as you go and explore your feelings (anger, sadness, disappointment, inspiration, enthusiasm) so I think this would suit a book club really well.
I have also found new paintings and installations I never knew existed and that I have fallen in love with, that I will be off to visit and potentially draw inspiration from when I next pick my own brushes up!
It’s been fascinating to discover how these artists have responded to world events over the last 1000 years, from war to revolution and developments in science, technology and the media. The obscuring of women from art history really does serve to explain the purpose of art itself. To make sense of the world and our place in it, as we all fight for understanding and significance in an ever increasing world that makes us feel confused and insignificant.
While not excusing, but potentially explaining why women have been actively minimised in the art world, I was struck by the realisation that space and attention are finite, and male artists pushed female artists aside in an attempt to hold that space for themselves.
There are several examples in this book of uncredited female inspiration for famous male works, and in some cases, downright theft of female art by male artists, that will have you questioning the very art history you thought you knew.
Wonderfully intersectional, Hessel ensures that the full gender spectrum away from male, is showcased, as well as art and contributions from across the globe. It feels like I’d been reading a history book with every other page torn out for the last few decades as I’ve started to explore my interest in art, and it has filled me with a renewed belief in my ability, the topics I care to represent, and the importance and talent of female artists since art began.
I recommend you read this book with a laptop/tablet/phone close to hand, as you will want to look up the pieces mentioned in the book that are not pictured. I found this really enhanced my experience, to add more images and visual stimuli. It’s also helpful to discuss the chapters as you go and explore your feelings (anger, sadness, disappointment, inspiration, enthusiasm) so I think this would suit a book club really well.
I have also found new paintings and installations I never knew existed and that I have fallen in love with, that I will be off to visit and potentially draw inspiration from when I next pick my own brushes up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Death, Drug abuse, Genocide, Sexism, Sexual assault, War, Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, Grief, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, and Slavery
More...