Gender issues - Jane Alexander Flashcards
Which of Jane Alexander’s works speaks to gender issues?
“Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)”
When did Jane Alexander create “Stripped (Oh Yes Girl)”?
1995
What media was used to create “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)”?
Plaster, lace, twine, calico, hair, oil paint, synthetic nails, steel support.
What style of work was “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)” done in?
Figurative
What medium and technique was used to create “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)”?
Sculpture with found objects
What themes are visible in “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)” ?
Her themes of violence and victim/aggressor are still visible, but with empathy through the eyes of a woman.
What topics does “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)” deal with?
This work deals with suffering and female mutilation.
How is the theme of victim/aggressor shown in “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)”?
The character is at the same time the seducer (long, sculpted fingernails) and the victim (all the injuries and scars). She is an object of fascination and abuse.
What is “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)” based on?
Two prostitutes who worked near the home of the artist.
How does Jane Alexander describe the 2 prostitutes that she based “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)” on?
She describes one as the “Happy Sex Worker” and the other as the “Unhappy Sex Worker”.
Describe the subject of “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)”?
A woman hangs from her armpits from a metal armature not being able to stand on her own. The support is similar to those sold with early renditions of the Barbie doll.
What does the doll stand in “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)”? imply about women?
A doll is a manufactured object, something that is played with and then discarded. Is this the experience of living women with men?
What experience is very strong in “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)”?
The experience of mutilation and suffering is very strong in this piece.
Describe the posture of the subject in “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)”?
The subject is in the hanging position, serene face, hands with palms turned upwards and crossed feet, reminiscent of the crucified figure of Christ.
Describe the head of “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)”.
The head is detached and sewn back on to her body like a doll.
What masks the scar where the head is reattached in “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)”?
A collar of lace
What does the lace collar in “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)” symbolise?
It is a symbol of both femininity and religious piousness.
What does the lace collar in “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)” emphasise?
It emphasises the religious nature of the work. It seems as if the lace was painfully stitched on her with visible, carefully worked stitches.
What alternative meaning could the lace collar in “Stripped (“Oh Yes” Girl)” have?
It could also refer to an attempt of a broken woman to still appear feminine. This feeling of mutilation is also seen in the rendering of the hair.
