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T H E F W O R D | AU T U M N 2 0 1 6 | T H E B O DY I S S U E N O . 0 0 1
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welcome This is the first issue of The F Word. The F Word’s mission is to explore different themes relevant to Fourth Wave Feminism. This issue focuses on women artists who are working with the body from different perspectives alongside initiatives, which engage with the issues of Feminism around nudity in public and the objectification of the female body through the patriarchal male gaze of the camera lens. This issue also includes articles about some of the current issues that Feminism fights for.
The new millennium has seen a new wave emerge. Modern technology defines Fourth Wave Feminism. It gives us new ways to build a strong reactive movement, online. It seeks to solve the remaining issues that gender still leaves in our nation, as well as the rest of the world, much of which still hasn’t benefited from the gains of the First Wave.
C over by Jeanne Ménétrier
website: thefword.online | instagram: thefwordonline
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contents THE F WORD | AUTUMN 2016 | THE BODY ISSUE NO.001
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8
10
18
THE FOURTH WAVE EMERGING
RORA BLUE
INEQUALITY
Vanessa Chalmers
Handle With Care
Emily Jane
22
26
30
HEATHER FORD (KODRICK)
ELANA BLOOM
TOPLESS NEW YORK
Interview
Illustrations
Interview
40
44
48
MARRION DESIGNS
MAUREEN KAVENEY
WHY ARE PEOPLE SHUNNING
Illustrations
The Fruit Bearers
MODERN FEMINISM? Vanessa Chalmers
52
58
68
BOBBI RAE
JEANNE MÉNÉTRIER
MENINISM VS FEMINISM
(CUBS STUDIO)
Hen / Territoires Impudiques
Vanessa Chalmers
70
78
80
STASCIA LYNNE
KARA CLIFFORD
COLLABORATIONS
Interview
Nature
Issue contributors
Illustrations
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© Kara Clifford
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THE FOURTH WAVE EMERGING Vanessa Chalmers answers the question ‘What is feminism in 2016?’ A brief look at the four waves of Feminism.
WORDS BY VANESSA CHALMERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARA CLIFFORD
From the glossy covers of girly magazines to ‘free bleeding’ outside
access to the pill, and an acceptance of female sexuality. Betty
Westminster, sharing the latest video on Facebook of a celebrity
Friedman’s writing such as The Feminine Mystique has been said
advocating feminism, to tearing up the streets of London; the
to have sparked the second wave for middle-class white women in
fourth wave of feminism is reaching out and speaking to everyone.
America, but the movement began to attract women of all races
The Internet is providing a sphere of communication for groups,
and backgrounds, demonstrating all oppression was related. The
activists, and campaigners to a broad audience, and an entry point
wave was increasingly radical, with the Miss America Protest being
for men and women of all backgrounds to ride the wave.
the first to represent the ‘bra burners’; feminists rallied to burn bras, tweezers, and high heels in disapproval of the pageants focus
A wave of feminism can be described as a period of time during
on women’s looks.
the feminist movement. The history of western feminism is divided into three waves, which dealt with different parts of the
The third wave was in stark contrast, adopted by young feminists
same issues effecting women’s equality- politically, economically
advocating for expression of femininity to challenge objectification.
and socially. Campaigns and organisations have emerged over
What women of the previous phases identified as male oppression
the waves, uniting with each other to be the driving force behind
– lipstick, high-heels, and cleavage – empowered feminists from the
the advocacy. Let’s look in brief where this began, and where it
mid 90’s, after the second wave is suggested to fizzled out due to
is going… The first wave of feminists fought for and gained the
dispute over issues of pornography and sexuality. The Washington
right for women to vote, giving it the label ‘Suffragette movement’
‘riot grrrl’ music bands created a culture combining hard-core
(suffrage- the right to vote). New Zealand was the first to succeed
punk and addressing issues of violence against women such as
in 1893, and more recently, Saudi Arabia in 2015. Although feminist
domestic abuse and rape, as well as organisations such as V-Day.
organisations date back to 1850, the first wave is defined as taking
Many constructs were being celebrated but also abolished by the
place in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, at a
multi-cultural third-wavers: gender, sexuality, and body ideals.
time of industrialisation and liberal, socialist politics. It focused
Some say the third-wave is difficult to distinguish as it lacks a
on legal rights and opening opportunities for all women. The
cohesive goal, and the dates of the wave boundaries are subject
British suffragettes were often members of the Women’s Social
of debate. However, what made the third wave different was that
and Political Union (WSPU), led by Emmeline and Christabel
it rose from young feminists and the introduction of the Internet.
Pankhurst, and used methods of hunger strikes, window breaking, and arson to protest. Women over the age of 21 were given the
The new millennium has seen a fourth wave emerging utilizing
right to vote in the UK in 1928, following famous historic moments,
social media and modern technology to expand and cross
such as Nancy Astor taking the first woman’s seat in the House of
boundaries. Activism efforts can be communicated by organisations
Commons in 1919, and the suffragette Emily Davison stepping out
to build stronger movements, and as they do so, attention is being
in front of the King’s Horse at the Epsom Derby in 1913- arguably
received from mainstream media. Subsequently, it is no longer
to publicise her cause rather than to commit suicide.
seen as radical or extreme to be feminist, or a hand-me-down from gran. The movement draws everyone in, often causing tensions
The feminist movement had entered a whole new battle by the
and divides, but primarily focuses on inequality manifesting itself
1960’s, recognised as the second wave. It began to critique wider
in body-shaming, sexual harassment on the streets and public
issues of patriarchy, capitalism, and the role of a woman in a
transport, rape, the pay gap, slut-shaming, under-representation in
household; it demanded equality in the workforce, fought for by
politics, workplace discrimination, homo and transphobia.
© Kara Clifford
organisations such as NOW, and rejected ideals of a stay-at-home mother with dreams of careers in positions of leadership and better
The Internet has provided a space to challenge sexism and
education. The second-wavers fought for sexual empowerment
misogyny in everyday life; advertising, TV, the media, and the way
and control over their bodies- struggling to gain abortion rights,
people behave. And this is being done within a global community.
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RORA BLUE Internet sensation Rora Blue shares with us her newest project: ‘Handle With Care’. Rora Blue is a young artist living and
the phrases are things I have been told
working in northern California. She
during my life, others are comments
focuses on producing conceptual and
that other women have submitted to me.
interactive art. Rora’s work is defined by
The photos aim to capture modern day
her use of striking colours and ability to
sexism and some of the pressures that
involve the public in her artistic process.
women face in society today.’ Rora has
She has produced two viral art series and
said that she was inspired to create this
has become known around the world for
series after taking a Women’s Studies
her ability to merge the worlds of art
course. She states that it inspired her to
and social media. Rora is best known for
speak up about the sexism that she has
her work The Unsent Project, the largest
experienced in her life and that she also
collection of unsent texts. The project
wanted to give other women a platform
has over 28,000 submissions and has
to connect and share their experiences.
been featured in The Huffington Post,
‘I think it is important to speak up about
Good Morning America, Refinery 29 and
social issues in order to encourage
many more.
change. I love using art as a medium to do that’.
© Rora Blue
Rora has said that she stands out in the art industry by ‘utilizing the internet
The F Word asked Rora if the project
and social media in a unique way to
was on-going. She replied with ‘The
interact with users and also create
series is not on-going but anyone is more
tangible art. This is a generally new
than welcome to leave a comment on my
concept but I think that it will become
Instagram page with a sexist experience
a more common theme amongst artists
that you have had. There are hundreds
as technology and social media become
of comments from other women and it
even more immersive.’ ‘Handle With
is very eye opening to read the other
Care series explores sexist comments
comments and connect with
that are used frequently today. Some of
other women.’
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© Rora Blue
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© Rora Blue
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© Rora Blue
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INEQUALITY Designer, traveller and blogger, Emily Jane shares with us her first hand experience of sexism in New Zealand. Feminism. There’s such a stigma attached to this word and there really shouldn’t be. I want equality, simple. Yes, we have made progress. However, there’s so much more to be made. I’ve never been a victim of sexism or really been treated any differently to a male. All of my school life I had the same opportunities as my male counterparts, all of my jobs back home since being fifteen I was treated the same as my male co-workers. I’ve never had to deal with anyone treating me any differently until my most recent job in New Zealand. I came to New Zealand on a working holiday visa in January this year to work and travel the beautiful country. Employment over here was fab until my second job, working at Modaks Espresso in Dunedin. I got paid less than my male co-worker. Our job roles were the exact same. I feel that I exceeded expectations, as evident by the praise from my manager. I was a Barista & my coffee was highly complimented, whereas many complaints arose about my co-workers coffee and I had been asked numerous times to take over on coffee responsibilities. It wasn’t only coffee making where this occurred. On all duties in my role, my manager made it quite evident that my skills and effort exceeded my colleague’s on a daily basis, and made it quite clear that there were issues with his attitude to work. I gave my all to this job and my attitude was never anything but positive. I went above & beyond. Therefore, it was demoralising to learn that my efforts were not recognised financially and I could not see any reason why this worker should have been paid higher than myself. After all, I had been employed there longer, we had the same past experience & I was/am so confused, upset and angry as to why I am paid less than this colleague, other than our difference in gender. To make matters worse, when I emailed the business with my concerns and questions on this subject, I got a half-arsed email in return that didn’t really explain anything. I of course replied and I’ve heard nothing in the two weeks since, apart from being deleted on Facebook by the Manager. I think they may be using the common “head in sand” technique. I also learnt that they did the same with head chefs who differed in gender. So it wasn’t only me who was a victim of sexism at this place of work. Worrying. So, that’s Modaks Espresso in Dunedin, New Zealand. I don’t recommend a visit unless you agree with the way they treat their staff. Please ladies, stand up for yourself if you find yourself in any situation like mine. If we don’t say something, nothing will ever change and change is exactly what we need. Don’t ever settle for half-arsed nonsense. You are an amazing woman & everyone should respect that. Oh, and a message to everyone; let’s stop being frightened of a female nipple, yeah? What’s all that about? If you read this far through my ramblings, well done.
© Emily Jane
Emily Jane x
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© Heather Ford (Kodrick)
‘Old’
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‘What Is Expected’
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‘Going Out’
HEATHER FORD (KODRICK) The F Word catches up with digital artist and designer, Heather, to talk about her artwork and her views on Feminism. BY KARA CLIFFORD ARTWORK BY HEATHER FORD (KODRICK)
To start with, can you tell me a bit about yourself? I am a Digital Artist
One of my personal favourites is ‘Old’, could you tell me a bit
and Designer from Peoria, IL who creates graphic media artworks
more about this piece? The artwork “Old” and many of my others
and drawings. My artworks are all digitally drawn and painted and
are about the daily struggles that many women in western culture
tell a visual story. My artwork shows the strength, sacrifice, pride and
are pressured and struggle with internally and externally on a daily
grace of women and myself as a woman. I work at The Iona Group
basis. However, my artworks such as “Joy” show the confidence and
and Float in Illinois as a UI/UX Designer and is a part-time instructor
successes of woman, which is equally as important.
at Bradley University in the Interactive Media department. I have a
If you could ensure your viewers took one message away from
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications degree from The
your art, what would that message be? Being a visual diarist,
Illinois Institute of Art in Illinois. As a designer, I create interactive
I am inspired by the life stories of others, particularly woman. I
web and mobile projects along with The Iona Group and Float’s
believe that I show the stories of woman that otherwise may never
marketing collateral. I have been a designer for a number of
be seen. So much of what woman do is considered “daily life” but
Fortune 500 clients for 15 years. I have created works for companies
to me, the strength, beauty, and grace women possess come from
such as Disney, Maui Jim, AbbVie, Nike, Home Depot and various
those moments of daily life where we must make choices and hard
US and local Government agencies, utilizing a user-centered
decisions. My work represents those moments, teaching me along
design approach. I am responsible for providing the data layer
the way.
design, research, user testing, resources, and alternative paths in
What does Feminism mean to you? I think it is important for
order to accomplish objectives using indepth web and application design and development experience. I teach at Bradley University
in
the
Interactive
Media
department on UI/UX topics including userand human-centered design. I am also one of the co-authors of Mastering Mobile Learning:
woman to not oppose men but embrace
“I think it is important for woman to not oppose men but embrace the joys and successes of woman.”
© Heather Ford (Kodrick)
Tips and Techniques for Success.
the joys and successes of woman. My artwork
is
awareness
acknowledging of
a
the
culturally
female
constructed
world while still recognize the unique experiences
and
choices
made
within
that world. It is the beauty inherent in moments
I
capture
when
womankind
What inspired you to start making feminist art? When I was in
comes together, embraces one another and works together to
college, I read the book The Body Project: An Intimate History of
succeed rather than with hatred or negativity. I am trying to
American Girls by Joan Jacobs Brumberg and took anthropology
reclaim female subjectivity by being specific to my personal
and sociology courses. These experiences provided me with
experience. Also while simultaneously trying to permeate the
knowledge and awareness of others and myself that created a new
subjectivity of others.
outlook on life.
Do you think it is important that women call themselves feminists?
Which of your pieces of art is your personal favourite and
Why? I believe that all men and woman can call themselves feminists
why? The work “Home” portrays the struggles and the sacrifice
if they believe in equal rights for all women. In my artwork I allow
of everyday woman particularly the Woman’s Land Army and
the viewer to identify with everyone who is secondary in a primary
Land Girls that were developed during WWI and WWII. It was
world, regardless of gender, age, social class, or sexual identity.
an organization created so women could work in agriculture,
And finally what advice do you have for emerging feminist
replacing men called up to the military. It is the beauty inherent
artists? Create what you value and is important to you.
in those moments when womankind comes together, embraces
Remember your art can create emotions of joy and happiness
one another and works together to succeed. It is proud
while also provide an opportunity for equality awareness for
moment in our history; I’m honoured to have shown this story.
all woman regardless of their age and cultural background.
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© Kara Clifford
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ELANA BLOOM ‘In some ways, unedited female nudity is considered one of the ugliest things in the world.’ I’m a self-identified creative beast who
that has either misplaced her humanity
lives in the San Francisco Bay Area
or had it ripped from her. I position the
and explores all things art and design. I
feminine figure as a subject, capable
work with reclaimed materials, textiles,
of communicating her feelings, and
paper, paint, ink, and my computer
expressing her own human experience.
to create things that inspire me. I’m
I
most interested in creating work that
objects
crosses the intersection of feminism and
and
environmentalism, and that amplifies the
objects as equally important to the
voices of oppressed people.
feminine experience.
My illustrations explore the intersections
In some ways, unedited female nudity
between
and
is considered one of the ugliest things
femininity,
empowerment.
choice, in
as
offer
stereotypically means
of
non-traditional
feminine expression, or
taboo
mostly
in the world. Because most of the
pen and ink, I deconstruct body image,
photographs of naked women that we
beauty standards, modern notions of
see are photoshopped into either waif-
female empowerment, and perceived
like nothingness or hyper-sexualized
ideas about the feminine figure. I first
thinness, we rarely see female bodies as
became intrigued by figure drawing
just being outside of our own private lives.
while completing my undergraduate
I have a fascination with the female form
degree in women and gender studies, and
that isn’t altered through a sexualized
exploring a lot of beautiful art depicting
or body-shaming lens. And when I say
women
as
Working
embrace
female
the female form, I mean all people who
figure is often portrayed as an object
ornamental. The
subscribe to being female, those who
for the viewer to behold, something
were born with xx chromosomes or not.
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© To p l e s s N e w Yo r k
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TOPLESS NEW YORK With ‘Online Feminism’ taking the world by storm with the use of twitter and it’s hashtags, we talk to the creator of ‘Topless New York’ about the project and his use of #freethenipple
BY KARA CLIFFORD PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOPLESS NEW YORK
For people that have never heard of the project, what is ‘Topless
they’re aware of that privilege or not) is asked or forced to accept
New York’? Topless New York is an on-going photo series featuring
equality. It feels like a step backwards to them, so they lash out. I
women who exercise their legal right to be bare-chested in public
frequently see tweets claiming that if women get to free the nipple,
all over New York State.
men should get to free the penis. I can’t even fathom how badly they
What inspired you to start the project? In 2004 or so, when I was in
must have done in high school biology to subscribe to that notion,
law school, I learned that New York was one of very few states where
and it misses the point completely.
women could legally be topless in public, anywhere men could be. It
Where do you find the women to model for you? At first, I mostly
had been that way since 1992, when the New York Court of Appeals
used a website that’s very popular with models and photographers
(NY’s highest court, what most states call their “supreme court”)
for networking and finding opportunities for collaboration.
reversed the convictions of the “Rochester Seven,” a group of
Occasionally an “amateur” would volunteer as well, but only if they
women who’d gotten themselves arrested for being bare-chested in
sort of stumbled upon it; the project wasn’t very well publicized. As
public in 1986. The state couldn’t offer any compelling reason why
I continued, and especially in the last couple of years since 1) the
the law should treat women differently from men in an “indecent
“Free the Nipple” movement has picked up steam, and 2) my Twitter
exposure” law, when everyone has breasts and they’re not sex organs,
feed at @ToplessNewYork has built a good following, I’ve been hearing a lot more from women who had never
so suddenly that part of the law went away. I was surprised not only to learn about this, but to realize that very few people knew about it, and I wondered why that was and how I could change it. I also wanted to help bring this type of gender equality to the rest of the states. It
“I am constantly confused by people who claim not to be feminists”
even considered modelling before but want to be a part of this because they believe in it. That includes women who don’t live in New York, but want to do a photo shoot while they’re visiting and “allies” from other parts of the country, like Samantha, one of the plaintiffs in the current
took me a few years (and finishing law school, taking the bar exam, practicing law, etc.) to figure out what I wanted
lawsuit over local indecency laws in Fort Collins, Colorado, who
to do, and that was spread the word via photography.
was visiting New York with her fiancé, and they both did a shoot
Do you consider yourself to be a feminist? Absolutely. I am
with me. I’m happy to have anyone join in - right now I would love
constantly confused by people who claim not to be feminists, when
to have more images in the series of pregnant women and women
as far as I know, the definition of feminist is someone who wants
nursing their babies, but any woman is welcome.
men and women to be treated equally under the law and fairly by
Can you tell me about your process? And do you have any rules?
society. I don’t know a lot of people who would disagree with that
My number one rule is to respect the feelings and comfort levels
stance, yet they shy away from the label because its connotation has
of the model and certain people around us. I’ve worked with one
been twisted by opponents. Some men feel - or at least claim to feel
woman who didn’t want to be topless in front of children, for
- that they are the ones being “oppressed” by feminism, or by having
instance, because she was concerned their parents would be angry.
an “anti-male” agenda “forced down their throats.” The thing is,
I wouldn’t make that choice myself, since a large part of the message
that’s a common reaction - even a predictable and understandable
of this project is that breasts aren’t sexual or offensive, and most
one - anytime a group that is accustomed to privilege (whether
children start their lives using women’s breasts for food, but I
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respected the model’s choice. If I want to shoot a model in a very specific venue - e.g., checking out a jeweller stand at an outdoor fair - I will typically ask the owner for permission. Not because we need it, which we don’t - but because I want to be respectful. In a completely public area where people are randomly passing by, I don’t care what people think. As far as process, the truth is that I’m not a technically-advanced photographer, but I have a pretty good eye for what will make a good image, and I try to capture that as well as my camera and my skills will allow me to. I also encourage the model to speak up if she spots a good location or comes up with a fun idea as we’re walking around, because this is her experience, and I want it to be meaningful for her. One of the things that I love about this project is that every photo is taken in a different place throughout New York. How do you decide where each shoot will take place? I always start by asking the model. Often she’ll have a favourite neighbourhood or a few landmarks that are special to her, and we start the discussion from there. That’s true whether I’m shooting in New York City or elsewhere in the state; I’ve shot in Ithaca, Albany, Binghamton, Bear Mountain State Park, and Saratoga Springs, and I would like to shoot more outside the city, both upstate and on Long Island. If the model doesn’t care where we shoot, I fall back on a list of places I haven’t tried yet, and I try not to repeat settings too much. But some places, like Central Park, are so popular (and so huge and diverse) that I don’t mind going back occasionally. Honestly, if one of my earliest models, Lauren, hadn’t suggested walking over the Brooklyn Bridge to do our shoot, it might’ve taken me another few years before I thought of it. Then we took the Q train back to Manhattan, and it was while were on the Q going over the Manhattan Bridge that I got the “topless on the subway” image that a lot of my followers consider sort of iconic - because the other New Yorkers on the train are so blasé that nobody seems to care she’s topless. Have you ever received criticism for Topless New York? Yes, and it comes in a number of forms. On Twitter, a common refrain is that “nipple equality” is just about the least important feminist battle we could be fighting, when women elsewhere in the world are barred from driving or getting an education, beaten for being raped, forbidden from showing their faces, etc. And the thing is, I don’t disagree - but I have a few problems with the criticism itself. First, what makes these people think I (and other Free The Nipple advocates/allies) don’t also support organizations working to help women all over the world be safer and get equal legal treatment? I don’t tweet about it from an account that’s devoted solely to gender equality in topless rights, but that doesn’t mean I don’t work at it. Second, some of these battles are obviously important, but why does any one individual think s/he gets to decide which is the most important and needs our attention most urgently? If someone else disagrees, will that first individual change their priorities accordingly? I would imagine not. Third, since we are much closer to gender equality in the United States than in much of the world (hard as it may be to believe), should we not continue to set an
© To p l e s s N e w Yo r k
example by pushing for true legal equality? Are we really supposed to stop short of full equality because we’re further ahead, and say, “Okay, hold up, let’s wait for Saudi Arabia to
catch up to us in all other respects, and *then* work toward complete
settling a lawsuit for $29,000 after they’d arrested a woman for
equality? There’s also occasionally criticism during a shoot, but it’s
being topless. In 2013, after they’d gotten sued a bunch more times,
rare. On my most recent shoot just last week, for only the second
the NYPD actually circulated a memo to all its officers reminding
time in over fifty shoots, the woman I was working with chose to
them that simply being topless is not a crime in itself, so they
keep her shirt off for the duration of our time together, instead of
should stop arresting women for it. Since then, the police haven’t
putting it back on when the camera wasn’t on. We were walking
bothered me - except for recently on Lincoln Center’s main plaza,
down to the Staten Island Ferry, and as we passed the Smithsonian
when they pointed out that even though it’s not private property,
National Museum of the American Indian, a young woman coming
it’s operated by a non-profit corporation that has the right to set
the other way asked her, “Do you know what country you’re in?” I’m
its own regulations, and even men aren’t supposed to be topless on
still not exactly sure what she meant by that - maybe she thought we
the property. So we moved along, but I’d already gotten some good
were tourists from France and were used to walking around topless,
images there anyway.
or something. But that was probably the most coherent objection
If you could ensure your viewers took one message away from the
I’ve ever gotten from a random bystander, and that should tell you
project, what would that message be? The only reason we think
something. Usually it’s more like, “What the hell are you doing?”
women’s breasts are sex organs or more “naughty” than men’s is
The most troubling was from a woman in Ft.Tryon Park near the Cloisters, way uptown Manhattan; she started yelling at me that women have been raped in that neighbourhood, and what we were doing wasn’t funny, it was dangerous. I don’t blame her for being upset at rape, but nothing
“nothing a woman does justifies her being raped”
because that’s the message society and the media has been sending us. Very few people know that it was only about 80 years ago that men in the U.S. were required by law to wear “swimming costumes” that covered their chests when they were on the beach. Men started to get fed up,
a woman does justifies her being raped - it’s a crime of violence
they broke the law by wearing “only” swim trunks, and a few of
and control, it’s not about sexuality or nudity, and if a man wants
them got arrested - society was briefly shocked, and then we all
to rape, he’ll rape someone wearing a burlap sack. I can’t imagine
got over it. Can you even imagine men getting arrested for walking
anyone would suggest that a man taking his shirt off is just asking
around topless now? Society changes and people adapt, and it’s not
to be raped by a gay rapist, so why is saying it about a woman any
just because we’re becoming more “permissive” or degenerate; it’s
less ludicrous?
because we’re gradually recognizing that some of the things we used
A few times, I’ve been stopped by the police, but on every shoot
to do are just plain silly. I really do think that it won’t be very many
I always have two documents with me; one is a copy of the 1992
more years before the rest of the state laws against women being
court opinion that struck down the women’s-breasts section of New
topless in public are cast upon the dust heap of history, and when
York’s indecent exposure law, and the other is a copy of a NY Post
that finally happens, I will be absolutely thrilled that my project has
article from several years ago about the New York Police Department
become obsolete.
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MARRION DESIGNS ‘Women need to learn to love their bodies and judging women for their body image needs to stop. ’
I am a creative designer and illustrator from Leeds, gender stereotypes were shown in them. Along with West Yorkshire. I love to work with the hand made this I also looked at how princesses were shown to and focus on mixed media using ink and watercolours be the perfect woman and how they should look and through my work to create intricate drawings. I am act. Disney films are from various decades so it is to heavily inspired by vintage, animals and the world be remembered that some are old fashioned. The around me especially by facing the effects we have in films are now seen to be a lot more equal and less our society and environment.
stereotyped for both men and women.
I would identify myself as a feminist, I feel the word I drew this set of pen drawings for this issue of The feminism is still frowned upon by a lot of people and F Word. My illustrations explore femininity and the has begun to take a negative stereotype. Many think idea of body positivity and women empowerment. to be a feminist you must be some kind of man hater. Looking at self-image and beauty standards of I think to be a feminist means you just believe that today’s society and how women may feel they have to socially and politically both sexes should be equal and look a certain way to be accepted or be seen as the treated the same. In my opinion, if you believe this ‘ideal woman’. I have drawn these women as curvy then you’re a feminist. Although recently I do feel a as I feel this body type is still shamed by the media. lot of people define themselves as feminists compared Women are seen and portrayed to be skinny for to how it was 5 or more years ago. I do believe that more of a desired view of what the media thinks we more women should be able to call themselves should want to look like. I took some quotes that I feminists, especially without feeling they may be found to be relevant to positivity or to how women shamed or questioned on why. If more people began may feel at times when they look in the mirror. I to understand what feminism is and define themselves then turned them into illustrations, which I think to be one it would take away the negative meaning of will give viewers a positive feeling and reassure it and the fear women may have of calling themselves them that it doesn’t matter what other people think. a feminist. I first started to look into feminism when Women I did a project based on femininity in Disney. This bodies
need and
was based entirely on each decade of films and how image needs to stop.
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to
judging
learn
to
love
their
women
for
their
body
Š Marrion Designs
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© Maureen S. Kaveney
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MAUREEN K AVENEY ‘It was odd to me, as a self-proclaimed feminist, that I would be objectifying women within my work.’
Maureen S. Kaveney is a conceptual photographer, reference the female herself then surround her, who creates compelling, thought-provoking imagery relate to each other as well as to the female form. from ideas. Each image starts as an idea, sparking, After some experimenting, I decided that instead of evolving and growing with each step of the creative just making the female an object by cropping I would process, bringing unique life to the completed image. literally make her an object to be used to create my When asked about her process, Maureen simply says, final images. The female form was photographed in “I like my photographs to make people think. I want the studio and cropped in camera, printed, and then my photographs to be fun and beautiful but also to used as the base to make the final compositions. This go beyond just the aesthetics, I want my photographs acts to reinforce the main idea of a woman as an object. to speak to people.”
These compositions consisting of print and objects were then re-photographed, resulting in the images
Her Photography Series ‘The Fruit Bearers’ explores featured here. Within this body of work, there is female objectification. “I had noticed that within my an odd juxtaposition: The female is turned into an imagery I had started to crop people in odd places, object by the use of the photographic print, and in especially females. These crops, generally below reference to the female form, the objects then take the nose, above the lips, were thought by others to on very human-like qualities (fertility, reproduction, objectify the women in my photographs (maybe my female anatomy, etc.). still life mentality makes me think of everything in terms of “things”) but I started to think about the Females are fruit bearing and seed containing, and issue of objectification. I often enjoy using human references to females will often include fruit or foodelements in my still life work; however, it was odd based terms. It seemed natural to use the objects I did. to me, as a self-proclaimed feminist, that I would be It was important for me to keep the imagery somewhat objectifying women within my work. I decided to fun and light, which is why I chose to photograph take a further look into why a woman has, and will against bright coloured backgrounds. always be, considered as an object. After all, aren’t we the most important objects for mankind’s survival? Not only is the female form objectified, but it I wanted to really push the idea of objectification also feels very erotic, something very important and play with the term within this body of work. The to keep within this body of work. The female is idea was to take the woman, and through cropping eroticized and in turn, the food also becomes
© Maureen S. Kaveney
make her an “object.” Additional objects that would
very erotic in itself.”
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© Kara Clifford
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WHY ARE PEOPLE SHUNNING MODERN FEMINISM? New Breaking Feminism research indicates that while almost 100% of people believe in gender equality, less than half would identify as a feminist. Why are people so keen to distance themselves from the movement?
WORDS BY VANESSA CHALMERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARA CLIFFORD
Suprisingly 53% of people would not identify as a feminist,
“I do believe in a world where every individual should be treated
despite 96% believing men and women should be treated
equally but not in the way modern feminism pushes. Old school
equally. Countless celebrities are announcing their feminist
feminism i.e. Laura Mulvey, expresses deep concepts of the male
status. Emma Watson, Beyoncé, and Ellen Page are contributing
gaze that genuinely does encompass female life. Modern feminism
to a rise media attention and discussion. However Katy Perry is
has lost track of the purpose that it once stood for and has been
still on the fence, and some celebrities have even deflected the
radicalised by modern day society. So until modern day feminism
term. David Cameron included. Shailene Woodley, from the film
reflects on the original concepts it once stood for I can’t stand
The Fault In Our Stars, has previously said she doesn’t support
strong alongside modern feminism.”
the idea of “women over men” because “she loves men”. This
“Equality should not be fought for one gender alone, then in
raises the question do people really understand what feminism
itself it becomes bias. Many overzealous “supporters” of feminism
stands
simply ridicule men and seek to be placed above them, which only
for?
The
controversial
website
‘Women
Feminism’ became one of the most searched blogs in 2014, for
generates discontent and further bias.”
its hundreds of contributions from women shunning feminists.
“I feel as if the word has been hijacked and dis-empowered,
While everyone is entitled to their opinion, many criticised the website for plain misunderstanding feminism, and spreading this to a global audience. “I think a lot of people know what gender equality is, but they don’t realise that that actually falls under feminism,” says Fleur Eden,
“Do people really understand what feminism stands for?”
almost rendered meaningless from decades of derision and clichés. And though I understand the philosophy of ‘reclaiming’ words…I am also a big believer in rebranding!” Fleur Eden worries ‘radical’ feminism gets
the Vice President of Canterbury Christ Church University Feminist
too much attention. She says: “I feel like recently, feminism only
Society. “Its not just about women wanting to better themselves
gets attention when it’s doing something radical, or something
and move away from the patriarchal society. It’s about everyone
really negative has really happened. In Germany they have been
feeling equal no matter what race, ethnicity, gender, and sex.”
protesting a lot and that’s getting loads of media coverage, but small
However 73% of people say they believe they know the
issues like women’s pay doesn’t get that much attention, unless
definition of feminism, and if that is to be true, why the
they do something radical.” This month campaigners worked to
negative stigma? Why has feminism become a ‘dirty word’? A
get feminism put back onto A-level politics syllabus, following
majority of reasons given for not identifying as a feminist
the removal in government draft plans. Possibly the education
address the concern that modern feminism has lost sight of
of young people and rebranding of the term would encourage
its goal, and therefore they cannot support it. They include:
more people to embrace the movement which has earned
“I do not participate in any feminist campaigns as I believe some
its stripes over history to earn freedom, a voice, and safety for
modern feminism is misguided”
© Kara Clifford
Against
women today.
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© Bobbi Rae
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BOBBI R AE (CUBS STUDIO) Designer, maker and illustrator based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. WORDS BY BOBBI RAE FOR THE F WORD MAGAZINE
As a female living in the modern-day First World, I think
self-expression is found in my paintings and sculptures.
it would be hard for anyone to say they’re not a feminist.
I think it’s important for any young artist to explore a
Knowing what we do, about the human condition, how
wide number of avenues to find their niche. It might
couldn’t we believe in equality for all? Race, gender, and
take a little longer to master your craft, but at least you
sexuality - none of these things describe the quality of
will have options when it comes to making a living from
our character or what we might be able to offer. How
your artwork. As a multi-disciplinary artist, I find myself
can it be possible that we should be judged on these?
briefed with all kinds of jobs, from digitally designed
‘Feminist’ though, I have found, can be a scary word and
marketing campaigns to bespoke ceramics for private
is one of the most stereotyped. I do think it’s a little out-
clients. Often the briefs can be quite restrictive, and
dated and can be ineffective in some circles. The moment
although I always enjoy being creative, in the little free
the ‘F’ word is spoken, ears will fall deaf. Not necessarily
time that I have, I like to take that tactile, ‘DIY’ approach
because these ears don’t believe we are all equal, for
that I learned from my Dad, to making artwork that
example:
depicts fun, freedom and the ‘art of being’ in modern cultures. For any emerging artist with a message to
“Geoff completely advocates equality for everyone but
spread, the ‘DIY’ approach is a great way of getting your
he is terrified that Jane is going to pull out her bloody
work out there with minimal costs, and it often reaches
tampon in the beer garden whilst he’s trying to wind
the right audiences.
down and enjoy a pint after work.” My most recent exhibition, ‘The Essence of Gender’ at Facetious scenarios like these, for me, represent the
Leeds Gallery was a cumulative point of my previous
issues, particularly with the word ‘feminism’ and
years’ study of my own, personal womanhood and
attitudes towards equality in the post-structuralism era.
the debut appearance of my ceramic work, which
These ideas are much of what inspires my artwork.
is the embodiment of my tactile approach. The opening night was one of my proudest moments,
I consider myself a designer, illustrator and visual artist,
stood amidst artists whom I really respect and
with a penchant for ceramics. I’ve been drawing for as
surrounded by work that had been made to convey
long as I can remember and grew up with a Dad who,
a
no matter what I wanted as a kid, reckoned he could
From what I’ve learned, the best advice I could give
make me one, cheaper. He has taught me a lot of my
to any young artist is to keep making what you care
practical skills, but more importantly for me, a ‘can-do’,
about. Get really good at it and don’t stop. If you
‘DIY’ attitude that has been completely instilled within
try and cater to the public, you’ll find they’re always
character and in my artwork. I find enjoyment and
changing their minds and you’ll be going round in
fulfilment in all aspects of my trade, but they each serve
circles forever. If you put all of your drive into your
a distinct purpose: Financial stability comes from the
passion, then by the time it comes into fashion - it might
commercial graphics side, whereas emotional relief and
be a while, but you’ll be the best at it.
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personal
experience, being
enjoyed
by
others.
© Bobbi Rae
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© Bobbi Rae
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© Jeanne Ménétrier
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JEANNE MÉNÉTRIER A selection of texts by Jeanne Ménétrier to go alongside her photography series ‘Hen’ and ‘Territoires Impudiques’ WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEANNE MÉNÉTRIER
A little boy with a skirt, a little girl who is peeing standing. A child without a gender. A child who is just a child, It still has all the choices. Not for long, It needs to enjoy this. It needs to choose today. After it will be too late. A little boy with toy cars. A little girl with a skirt.
Un petit garçon en jupe, Une petite fille qui fait pipi debout. Un enfant sans genre. Un enfant qui n’est qu’un enfant, Il a encore toutes les possibilités. Pas pour longtemps, Il faut qu’il en profite. Qu’il choisisse
Chandler.” When you are a
aujourd’hui. Après il sera trop tard. Un petit garçon avec des voitures. Une petite fille en jupe.
be suckered. I remember it was
couple for a while, other people seem to think that you are just one. I refused to be Jeanne and William. I wanted to stay Jeanne. And then I let myself
rentrais de chez une amie. On avait passé l’après midi à se remémorer de bons souvenirs friend. We spent the afternoon du temps du lycée. Non. Je ne vis to remember good memories pas dans un film alors même si of the time of high school. No, je me souviens que nous étions it’s not true, I am not in a movie tous les deux dans le métro, sur even if I remember we were both le quai, je ne me souviens ni du in the subway, on the dock, I do jour, ni du temps qu’il faisait. Ce n’était pas la première fois not remember neither the day que j’étais amoureuse, même nor the weather. It was not the s’il n’y en a pas eu beaucoup, first time that I was in love, even mais c’était la première fois if there have not been many, but que je restais assez longtemps this was the first time I stayed en couple pour me dire « après long enough in a relationship tout, pourquoi pas ? » Et ça fait maintenant plusieurs to say to myself “after all, why années que nous sommes not?” And it’s been several years William et Jeanne. Aujourd’hui that we are William and Jeanne. j’ai besoin de redevenir Jeanne. Today I need to become Jeanne. Rien n’a changé entre nous, ou Nothing has changed between plutôt si, beaucoup de choses ont changé entre nous mais us, or rather it has, so much nous sommes toujours une « has changed between us but we team ». Et nous fonctionnons are still a “team”. And we are bien ensemble. Au fil du temps operating well together. Over mes amis sont aussi devenus time my friends also became his les siens et inversement. Et and vice versa. And we met new nous avons rencontré de nouveaux amis ensemble. Si friends together. So that today bien qu’aujourd’hui il est rare it is rare or impossible for us to voir impossible que nous soyons be invited separately. But I need invités séparément. Mais j’ai to regain Jeanne. I need time besoin de redevenir Jeanne. J’ai without William, without my life besoin de temps sans William, partner for life. I have my own sans mon partenaire de vie, à vie. J’ai ma propre identité et lui identity as well. I would like you aussi. J’aimerais que vous vous to remember that. en souveniez. a Tuesday. I came home with a
On oppose encore, dans une fuelled by that same permanent lutte alimentée par cette même opposition, men to women. As if opposition permanente, les hommes aux femmes. Comme to allow women to be recognized si, pour permettre aux femmes as equal to men, they should d’être reconnues comme les be distinguished. Should we égales des hommes, il fallait les not stop this sterile distinction en distinguer. Ne faudrait-il pas precisely to be able to speak stopper cette distinction stérile about « human » ? Instead of pour justement pouvoir parler women and men. If we unify des humains ? Plutôt que des them into one group instead femmes et des hommes. Si on les unifie en un seul groupe au of distinguishing inequality lieu de les distinguer l’inégalité will disappear of itself. But it va disparaître d’elle-même. Mais has to be a profound change. il faut que ce changement soit Create neutral pronouns do profond. Créons des pronoms not designate sex or gender neutres qui ne désignent pas of the person to which they selon le sexe ou genre de la refer. The “ hen “ Swedish is ou les personnes auxquels ils already showing the way. That renvoient. Le « hen » suédois nous montrent déjà la voie. Ça would cut short the “masculine couperait court au « masculin prevails over the feminine”. And l’emporte sur le féminin ». Et on we’re back at the beginning: to en revient au début : parler des speak about humans without humains sans distinguer leur distinguish their sex or gender. sexe ou genre.
© Jeanne Ménétrier
We still oppose, in a struggle
I have long fought against
Je me suis longtemps battue
the syndrome of “Monica &
contre le syndrome de « Monica
couple depuis un moment, les autres semblent penser que vous ne faîtes plus qu’une. Je refusais d’être Jeanne et William. Je voulais rester Jeanne. Et puis je me suis laissée avoir. Je me souviens, c’était un mardi. Je
& Chandler ». Quand on est en
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© Jeanne Ménétrier
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© Jeanne Ménétrier
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I am a feminist. I am brought to discuss - and I provoke discussions- with a lot of guys. All, without exception, tell me that to have a girl and / or keep her -out rare exceptions- they should be desired; they must play assholes. A guy even told me that the only time he had tried to do good, to be kind, not to look at other girls… he had been dumped in two months; the only time in his life. Fuck! Girls, why do you prefer those who reject you, those who make you blow hot and cold? And then you complain that the guys are all bastards? I thought the attraction for bad boys stopped after secondary school but apparently I was wrong. Good guys, kind ones, sensitive ones, the considerate guys, and awkward, odd, shy guys ... I love you! I am with you. And if I love you, others like me would love you too. Be yourself, I beg you, do not become bastards, and do not prove them right. Listen to the others, those who love you as you are.
When I have my periods I can smell blood and rejection. This particular smell only women know. We hide it because we are ashamed of it. It is an intimate smell and we have been taught to be ashamed of intimate smells, to not let men smell them. We have to show men only the good within us otherwise they would not want us anymore. So we are ashamed of something natural, perhaps even the most natural thing. Just as we are ashamed of discharges that, sometimes, let a yellowish colour into our underpants. But this is strange; nobody seems to be aware of that smell, which, to me, feels so
© Jeanne Ménétrier
strong.
Je suis féministe. Je suis amenée à discuter – et je provoque les discussions- avec pas mal de mecs. Tous, sans exception, me disent que pour avoir une fille et/ou la garder –hors rares exceptions- ils doivent se faire désirer ; ils doivent jouer au connard. Un m’a même raconter que la seule fois où il avait essayé de faire bien, d’être gentil, de ne pas regarder d’autres filles etc, il s’était fait larguer en deux mois ; la seule fois de sa vie. Putain ! Les filles, pourquoi préférezvous ceux qui vous rejettent, ceux qui vous font le coup du chaud/froid ? Et ensuite, vous vous plaignez que les mecs sont tous des salauds ? Je croyais que le kiff du badboy s’arrêtait après le collège mais apparemment je me trompe. Les mecs bien, les gentils, les sensibles, les attentionnés, les maladroits, les bizarres, les timides…je vous aime ! Je suis avec vous. Et si je vous aime, d’autres comme moi doivent vous aimer. Restez vous-même, je vous en supplie, ne devenez pas des salauds, ne donnez pas raison à ces filles. Ecoutez plutôt les autres, celles qui vous aiment tels que vous êtes.
Lorsque j’ai mes règles je sens l’odeur du sang et du rejet. Cette odeur particulière que seules les femmes connaissent. On la cache car on en a honte. C’est une odeur intime et les odeurs intimes on nous a bien appris à en avoir honte, à ne surtout pas les laisser sentir aux hommes. Eux qui doivent ne voir que nos bons côtés sans quoi ils ne voudraient plus de nous. Alors on a honte d’une chose naturelle, peut-être même la chose la plus naturelle. Tout comme on a honte des pertes blanches qui laissent parfois une couleur légèrement jaune au fond de nos culottes. Mais c’est très étrange, les autres ne semblent pas sentir cette odeur qui, à moi, me semble si forte.
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© Jeanne Ménétrier
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MENINISM VS FEMINISM Both feminism and meninism encourage men to join their battles. But these movements are fighting different fronts, and regularly reject each other’s ideology. Meninism is argued to be anti-feminist, but misinformed. Feminism is argued to have over-stepped it’s mark. So where can a man find his place among the shouting voices?
WORDS BY VANESSA CHALMERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARA CLIFFORD
Meninism is yet to materialise, existing mainly as a twitter
showing support for women’s causes. Everydayfeminism.com’s
account with over a million followers (@MeninistTweets) and a
advice for men is “to listen to women’s concerns, challenge your
hashtag (#meninism). The hashtag is often used to advocate men’s
male privilege, and hold other men accountable”. They go on to
rights and express difficulties of being a man in the 21st century.
suggest: You can be an invaluable ally to the feminist movement
However it was originally used to share jokes, some of which
because you can challenge yourself and others to acknowledge
feminists criticised as offensive. While @MeninistTweets claim
gender inequalities in our society, which will bring us one step
to be ‘obviously sarcasm’, online groups, or the ‘manosphere’
closer to eradicating injustice. Thus, perhaps the best thing that
as it is sometimes named, has been growing. Within this online
men can do in feminism is to listen to the feminist cis women,
community are MRA’s (men’s rights activists). Meninism is argued
transgender people, and non-binary people in our lives and take
to have been born due to the belief that feminism has gone too
cues from their leadership about working for justice! Perhaps one
far and that the movement has become ‘anti-male’, or ‘hates men’.
thing Josh and James can agree on is the lack of ease men have in
It often argues modern feminism no longer fights for equality by
expressing emotion.
elevating women to the perceived level of men, but in fact searches for superiority of females, discriminating and demonizing all men
Both feminism and men’s advocacy are argued to use language to
as sexist, or even rapists, in the process.
present themselves as the victim. Josh suggests this is the main reason, as well as being wary of publicly taking a controversial view
A recent programme, which delved into the ‘manosphere’ and
such as his, that men won’t support the men’s rights movement.
really got people talking was Reggie Yates: Men at War. Viewers
He says: “I think it comes down to a lack of willingness to admit
were horrified with the comments made by men, particularly Roosh
the possibility of victimhood. One of the big problems that I raise
V, about rape. Men in the programme believed feminism was a
within the men’s rights movement is the fact that men are not
“fashionable cause”, and that men’s issues were taking a back seat.
really allowed to be hurt, to be victims, to be upset, or to have
One of the interviewees was Josh O’Brien, featured for his popular
issues. I think a lot of men feel like it would be un-masculine
but controversial YouTube channel which challenges feminism and
or improper for them to talk about the issues affecting them.
its ‘idiocy’, ‘hypocrisy’, and ‘misinformation’. Josh says his primary
They would rather ignore them and pretend they don’t exist.”
focus is men’s issues, and he only discusses feminism if it relates
These issues cited by MRA’s include high rates of male suicide,
to the oppression of men. So is he anti-feminist? What exactly are
male domestic abuse (and the denial of it by society), and false
his views on the movement? The men’s rights movement doesn’t
rape accusations.
© Kara Clifford
receive much popularity in society at large, and often receives a similar distaste as feminism. In a review of Reggie Yates: Men at
Feminism will mean something different to individual people
War, Rudi Abdallah said: “Like the fascist who blames migrants
and communities. The majority are striving for the improvement
for high rates of unemployment, meninists are embarking on slimy
of women’s lives by ridding the oppression of patriarchy (a term
proxy wars against women’s rights activists by using emotive issues
which refers to the creation of systems and ideals by cisgender
to crush the drive towards equality. Muppets like Men Against
men, which as a result oppress people who are not cisgender men).
Feminism undermine exploration of male-related mental health
However patriarchy is not something that just affects women, as it
concerns by promoting them in the same breath as criticising
can force men to follow restrictive norms too, requiring them to be
women’s rights, which can only alienate potential sympathisers.”
masculine, athletic, emotionless, dominating, and the breadwinner.
To some people, feminism is an exclusive group that centers on
This, in part, can contribute to higher rate of mental health issues
breaking down the systems in which oppress women, and favour
and suicide rates among men. Could it be argued, then, that both
men. Women-only spaces exist as a safe place to discuss issues
men’s advocates, and feminism, are fighting towards the same
without the presence of someone who holds the privilege they are
notion? A society, which is shaped for all our best interests?
fighting against, and therefore not fully understand. James Chespy
But the two movements fail to coexist. While Josh claims to
is the South East ambassador for The White Ribbon Campaign–
have shifted his focus from anti-feminism to co-operating with
the largest organisation run by men to end violence against women.
feminists on topics they agree on, James Chespy believes the only
Despite the occasional hostility, he believes in the importance of
way society can move on, is if men ‘give up the power’.
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STASCIA LYNNE The F Word has a chat with artist Stascia Lynne about her artwork, her views on Feminism and how she got into making Feminist art. BY KARA CLIFFORD ARTWORK BY STASCIA LYNNE
Could you tell me a bit about yourself? I am defiant. I am new and
change while challenging current limiting social norms.
self-defined. I spent my childhood questioning what was prescribed
In your ‘Reclaiming Self’ collection, you talk about your journey
to me as my role. I was given this role of “woman” to fulfil but it
of self-discovery through self-portraits. You state that through this
was never good enough. “Never good enough” became synonymous
journey you have reclaimed your power to create and identify as
with “woman” to me. I was born with two spinal deformities and
you wish to be seen, rather than to submit to a prescribed model
a vagina, it felt like the “three strikes and you are out”. I defied
of woman. Could you explain this a bit further? I wish to be seen
what a woman was supposed to be; being in constant pain and
as a productive human, not a spectacle. I was always resentful of
deformed meant I was defying that role to be the pretty woman
the limitation: “that is not ladylike”. I didn’t want to be a lady; I
spectacle that made everyone else feel better. I was supposed to be
wanted to explore the world around me without inhibitions and
my body, but my body was not what it was supposed to be. I was
stifling standards. I grew up in a very strict religious household in
supposed to be a presentation, not a person, but only present my
which women were required to obey without question. Mindless
body, not actually give this body that I was. My will was too strong.
obedience was ridiculous to me. Lack of interest in discovery was
I was vocal when I was supposed to be quiet. I was strong when I
absurd. Those things lead to stagnation. I have a creative mind, and
was supposed to be weak. I was intelligent when I was supposed
creative minds ask questions; creative minds seek solutions. I was
to be naïve. Before I even knew what feminism was, I was living it.
not content to be apathetic. I did not want to be a vessel of pleasure; I wanted to be a vessel of change. When I started
I am who I say I am, not who I am told to be. I am strong, I am vocal, I am autonomous, I am everything everyone told me I could not be, despite my vagina and broken body. But I am not broken; I have made myself whole through
“Before I even knew what Feminism was, I was living it.”
doing self-portraits I originally kept trying to paint myself the way I thought I was supposed to be seen, which resulted in some image foreign to me. Then I painted myself the way the media said I was based on body shaming. Then I got
my defiance. What inspired you to start making feminist art? I had the privilege
defiant and decided that I would paint myself as all of the offensive
of having three inspiring Professors at Brooklyn College in New
things people said I was, and those are actually more recognizable
York City. Two of them are feminist artists; one is a feminist art
to people as me than when I tried to make myself look the way I was
historian. I had the honour of Professor and Artist Patricia Cronin
prescribed to look. That was some deep satisfaction!
and Professor and Art Historian Mona Hadler as my mentors. I am
This collection also has a very interesting colour palette, what
grateful to also have received support and guidance from Professor
inspired you to use these colours? The self-portraits started out
and Artist Clarity Haynes. Patricia Cronin and Clarity Haynes are
with this very muted palette. It was dull and lifeless, very much
both Feminist and Lesbian Artists. What resonated with me about
like I felt when trying to picture myself the way society viewed me.
their work and their drive and motivation was that their work is
The more defiant I got about painting my own image, the bolder
very political in nature. Patricia Cronin does more that just create
my colour palette became. The colours seem to scream at you the
subversive art, she habitually uses proceeds from the sale of her
defiance I felt painting myself as I wish to be seen. Especially with
publications as donations for legitimate Women’s Organizations
“Objectify This”. I mean, you cannot help but stare at this one.
that work diligently to improve the lives of women internationally.
However, it is certainly not how most people expect to see a woman:
This inspired within me the desire to follow that same path and
defiant gaze, muscular body and a phallus. I did place myself on my
make work that was more than an adornment, but perpetuated
knees, the way the patriarchy wants to see us, but I am so completely
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© S t a s c i a Ly n n e
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‘D eclaring Agency’
‘Hands Off’
‘Objectify This’
the opposite of submissive with that bright colour palette that I feel like I completely subverted the notion of bringing me to my knees, instead I seem to be getting ready to pounce. In your ‘Rewriting our origin stories’ collection, you use printmaking instead of oil painting, what was the meaning behind this change of medium? Oil painting has traditionally been a medium that is collected by the wealthy patriarchs. As John Berger’s book, Ways of Seeing, explains, oil paintings of nude women symbolized a wealthy man’s possession of women. Printmaking was initially a medium more accessible to women artists. Therefore, presenting bodies, both male and female, as something other than the typical patriarchal presentation of woman in a medium that was more accessible to others in and of itself presents the idea that these bodies are not just for the pleasure of men. Additionally, because I present men in more commonly female poses; I give permission for men to be objectified by both men and women. Furthermore, because I pose women in masculine poses or as fighters, I present the notion that women are more than just available for use at a man’s whim. Also, as the series is about rewriting stories, printmaking is a means of reproduction, thus implying that this is an alternate story to reproduce throughout history and imagine where that reproduction takes us. Printmaking serves a multi-facet purpose in this regard because then we look at how printmaking is a reproduction and our entire economy is based upon body politics that stem from human reproduction.I overtake all aspects of Body Politics by choosing this medium for my subversions. If you could ensure your viewers took one message away from your art, what would that message be? Challenge everything you are told about who you are supposed to be and accept whatever someone else tells you they want to be. You write your own story because you are the author of your identity, hence respect that others have the right to do the same. For those who are a little confused about what being a feminist really means, would you mind telling me what feminism means to you? Being a feminist is about acceptance and freedom. It’s about being able to define yourself and in turn allowing that action for other people. It’s more than just gender, it is about defying a hegemonic order that created the idea that there is an “other” and the only means to rise above is to oppress. It’s not just for women, as my son says, it’s for men too. It’s about not seeing this idea we labelled “feminine” as inferior. It’s about not about defining “masculine” based on being better than “feminine”. Feminism is pioneering autonomy for women, men, black (commonly everyone who is not white), gay and non-binary. Do you think it is important that women call themselves feminists? Why? I think it’s important for everyone to call themselves feminists! The only people who are afraid of the word are people who have neglected to explore what it really means and choose to live their life by memes and propaganda rather than research the theory itself. Anyone can call himself or herself a feminist, even if they are not. It is actually more important to just live the philosophy.
© S t a s c i a Ly n n e
What advice do you have for emerging feminist artists? Your art is your voice. Create your story boldly.
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© S t a s c i a Ly n n e
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‘Fighting B ack’
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NATURE
© Kara Clifford
An artist statement from the series ‘Nature’ that is featured throughout this magazine issue In most parts of the western world a
The nude photos were taken outside,
woman being topless is either frowned
but in carefully selected places so
upon, or illegal. This is our natural form,
that we would not be seen. The mask
and we are forced by society to cover up.
represents anonymity and to illustrate
Breasts are how we feed our children,
the ridiculousness that is the fact that
and we have to cover up in doing so.
the model is breaking the law in the
In summer if it’s too warm, we have to
moment that these images were taken.
cover up whilst men can walk around
The images are double exposed with
freely with their tops off. Both genders
different scenes of nature to not only
have nipples, Just because I can feed
represent the female body being a natural
young with mine, I have to hide them
thing, but to also show that women should
away unless I am in the privacy of my
be able to be in their natural form out
own home.
in public and in nature if they so wish.
Nature is a photography series in
This photo series demonstrates the
which I challenged these ideas. The
issues that Fourth Wave Feminism
models breasts are painted. This masks
supports in relation to the female body
the nudity but still shows the form.
and female empowerment.
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© Kara Clifford
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collaborations THE F WORD | AUTUMN 2016 | THE BODY ISSUE NO.001
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VANESSA CHALMERS 8-9, 48-49, 68-69 breakingfeminism.wordpress.com | twitter.com/vanessachalmers RORA BLUE 10-17 rorablue.com | twitter.com/rorablue | instagram.com/rorablue EMILY JANE 18-19 whereisemily.org/ | twitter.com/emilyjstancer | instagram.com/emilyjstancer HEATHER FORD 20-23 heatherford-kodrick.com | twitter.com/heatherjford | instagram.com/heatherfordkodrick ELANA BLOOM 26-27 elanabloom.com | instagram.com/elana_bloom TOPLESS NEW YORK 28-39 patreon.com/toplessnewyork | twitter.com/toplessnewyork MARRION DESIGNS 41-41 instagram.com/marriondesigns | facebook.com/marriondesigns MAUREEN KAVENEY 42-45 mskaveneyphotography.com | facebook.com/mskaveneyphotography BOBBI RAE / CUBS STUDIO 50-55 cubsstudio.co.uk | twitter.com/cubsstudio | instagram.com/bearcubs JEANNE MÉNÉTRIER 56-67 jeannemenetrier.com | facebook.com/jeannemenetrier.photographe STASCIA LYNNE 70-75 stascialynne.com | instagram.com/stascialynne
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T H E F W O R D | AU T U M N 2 0 1 6 | T H E B O DY I S S U E N O . 0 0 1 F | 82