Topic 5

Unearthing the Roots: Gender and Sexuality under Socialism

March 16

Using the artworks below, try to respond to the following questions:

Wojciech Fangor: Figures (1950)

- What means does the artist use to construct socialist femininity and masculinity?

- What is the intended as well as unintended message of this painting? 

- Do you find the portrayal of socialist femininity emancipatory? 

Using the artwork below, try to respond to the following questions:

Natalia LL: Consumerist Art (1972-5)

https://artmuseum.pl/en/filmoteka/praca/ll-natalia-sztuka-konsumpcyjna?age18=true

- How does this portrayal of gendered desiring body relate to socialist system?

- How can this example enter into a dialogue with western feminism?

- Do you consider the work emancipatory?

Using the artwork below, try to respond to the following questions:

Sanja Iveković: Triangle (1979) 

- How does this portrayal of gendered desiring body relate to socialist system?

- How can this example enter into a dialogue with western feminism?

- Do you consider the work emancipatory?