Thoughtful and approachable investigation of transgressive feminist art. Quite a few new-to-me artists I can't wait to learn more about, and lots of meaty ideas/analysis to chew on.

https://donut-donut.dreamwidth.org/872762.html ( )

Art Monsters: Unruly Bodies in Feminist Art by Lauren Elkin is an engaging and enlightening critique of art in its many forms (bodies?) and the intersection with society and everyday life.

Once I settled into the way the book is presented, snippets both long and short, art criticism mixed with memoir(ish) stories, and some more general cultural criticism, I came to love it. I thought of it as sitting and having a conversation with a friend, albeit an extremely intelligent and perceptive friend, where the topic can shift from moment to moment but never really leaves the larger subject.

Even though I came mostly for the art and cultural criticism, the analyses of works both known and unknown to me, I remember being floored by a couple sentences early on that spoke more to our current political and social environment, especially in the United States where I live. Talking about Christine Blasey Ford's testimony, delivered clearly and consistently, then Kavanaugh's emotional and unhinged response, all of which was followed by his confirmation as a Supreme Court justice, Elkins put into plain words what has been often unspoken but known by many who watched. If an educated white woman giving calm and consistent testimony isn't going to be believed, who will? And the kicker, the thing that is upsetting but also, in my opinion, more likely the truth, what if she was believed and "it didn't matter?" It sure seems like, to a large part of the population that is the case.

I would recommend this to anyone interested in feminist art (in a broad sense) and especially those interested in the dynamics between that art and the society to which it is speaking/responding. As I have come to expect from Elkin, the writing will engage and challenge you to think through and beyond what is written.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )

The main argument of “Art Monsters” by Lauren Elkin is that feminist artists have emerged as powerful voices, challenging patriarchal norms and redefining beauty. They have embarked on a journey to create art that speaks from the body, breaking free from the traditional patriarchal language that has historically defined and idealized the female body.
Art Monsters: unruly bodies in feminist art, by Lauren Elkin

Over the past 50 years, feminist art has evolved and diversified, encompassing various mediums and styles. From the abstract expressionism of Lee Krasner to the provocative body art of Ana Mendieta, feminist artists have continuously pushed boundaries and redefined what is considered aesthetically pleasing or acceptable in art. Artists like Cindy Sherman and Kara Walker have used their work to question the portrayal of women in popular culture and challenge societal expectations. Their contributions have expanded the narrative of art history, ensuring that the voices and experiences of women artists are heard and celebrated.

Lauren Elkin delves into the lives and work of these artists, shedding light on their experiences and the challenges they have faced in a patriarchal art world. She defines “art monsters” as feminist artists who have taken up the challenge of creating art that questions the traditional notions of beauty, forcing viewers to confront their preconceived notions and examine their own biases. Elkin examines the idea of unruly bodies in feminist art and the tensions between freestyle thinking and the potential dangers of pushing too far. By introducing the concept of “monstrous aesthetics” in feminist art, she challenges the objectification of the female body and critiques the ways in which women’s bodies have been depicted and consumed in art, advocating for a more inclusive and empowering representation of women.

Art Monsters is an insightful, original, and unconventional book that blends criticism, and historical analysis to provide a comprehensive exploration of the lives and work of trailblazing female artists. By examining the contributions of these pioneering artists, Elkin encourages readers to rethink their understanding of art, beauty, and the role of women in the art world and advocates for a radical re-evaluation of women’s art and their place in art history. Whether you are interested in art, feminism, or both, Elkin’s book is a testament to the resilience and creativity of women artists.The artists’ job is to disrupt the status quo and change the way people normally see things. Art Monsters showcases the transformative power of art in shaping societal perceptions and breaking free from the constraints of patriarchal norms. ( )