Femme

The act of creating has always been limited by the gender roles within our society, though rebellion against these limitations has always been present. In the early days of modern art history, female painters, artisans, and sculptors were alive and well in the underbellies of society. Cohort sof female artists thrived in the liberal societies of Rome and various areas of Italy but were not nearly as highly recognized worldwide compared to their male counterparts. If one was to name the most famous artists of all time, the mind might resort immediately to names such as Picasso, Leonardo DaVinci, Monet, and Michelangelo. Though female artists have always existed, they are continuously forgotten. In the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent galleries alone, only 8%of the artists presented in 2013 were female. There is an undeniable disparity between the recognition of male artists and female artists, not to mention the overwhelming lack of representation for female and female-identifying artists of color, LGBTQIA+ artists, and the like. In many ways, the art world is still a boy’s club — and the millennial generation is striving to change that fact.

With the rise of social media and more ways to share one’s art independently, be it photography, poetry, prose, or traditional artwork, there arei ncreasing opportunities for women to be recognized for their work outside of a museum or gallery’s walls. As a female creator myself, I have noticed first-hand the rise in women’s publications as a way for female-identifying creators to share their work and collaborate with like-minded individuals who value it. Modern women are taking back their power when it comes to how and why they choose to create. Creativity in the modern social media age has not only become an outlet for expression, but a rebellion against society’s expectations for what it means to be a female creator. The male gaze — often attributed to works created by men, for men, of women — has been challenged by the ever-rising presence of female artists in the public sphere. For many female artists, depicting female nudity is a way for women to take back what was once used as a commodity or something to be looked upon by a male viewer, and has now been transformed into a brand of artistry that is truly empowering.

As a female-identifying writer, I capture my own truth in my work by speaking to my own experiences in their truest form. By not writing what I expect others want or even expect to hear, I am speaking my own truth. In today’s climate, this type of honest creativity has never been more vital. Female creators have a responsibility to create art that is reflective of their own experiences in the hope that this work has an impact on others. It is my hope that as more female and female-identifying creators share their work with the world, more individuals will be empowered todo the same. Art is for everyone, and the act of creation should not be limited to one gender, sexual orientation, income level, or even level of artistic experience. By sharing one’s own perspective through written words, photography, or art, you are empowering others to not only feel seen but be emboldened to have the same courage. Every person, regardless of their gender identity, has a unique experience to share. My advice to creators — tap into what is brazenly honest and unique. Sometimes, capturing your truth through your own form of creation can be downright scary. Opening up the wounds of our past, the darkest parts of our experiences, and the hurt parts of our souls can be intimidating, but oh, so liberating. By capturing and sharing these parts of our truth, female and female-identifying artists can empower others to share their own unique perspectives and challenge what is typically thought of us as the feminine experience.