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Laura Mulvey - Film Theorist, Media Scholar, Filmaker

In 1975, Laura Mulvey, popularized the “Male Gaze” and the “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema.” These theories about film and cinema relate to how stills and shots depict the superiority of men and submissiveness of women in such medium. It gives us the message of a film through the perspective of a heterosexual male which leads to focus on the women in the film. These give the viewers a chance to take a closer look at the video to see beyond the surface message of it.
In Laura Mulvey’s theory, Phallocentrism is being discussed. It is said that women have this innate desire to have a penis. What makes men who they are is the existence of their external genitalia. And as we all know, men are dominant and women are submissive. And women have always had this dream of turning the tables around.
As a young woman I understand that there is a pleasure of being looked at. This love of looking is called 'Scopophilia'.
In Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” music video, The woman/figure of woman is objectified as a symbol for visual pleasure and sexual entertainment, contrary to the surface message of the text which shows the breaking free of the woman from her marginal position. Also, if close read, the video depicts the woman as marginalized and submissive to man.

Louise Bourgeois

Louise Bourgeois

“I have been to hell and back and let me tell you, it was wonderful.”

"If I get any prettier can I be your baby?"

"Am I showing too much flesh?"

Barbie Chops

Plain Plastic series

'Plain Plastic'

The inspiration for my art work was initially drawn from Marilyn Minter’s shiny and seductive paintings, photographs and videos. I chose female sexuality and the excess of the feminine as my subject matter as I wanted to explore this idea in depth.

I used Barbie to represent what is seen to be the “perfect” female body, in today’s world. Realistically, no female body can look like Barbie, unless it undergoes cosmetic surgery. Why do we want to look like Barbie when she is simply made up of plastic assembled parts?

My main influences are Cindy Sherman, Lisa Yuskavage and Mariel Clayton who all deal with female sexuality in their work. I was particularly interested in the Barbie-like element present in Yuskavage’s and Clayton’s work. Naomi Wolf’s book ‘The Beauty Myth’ gave me great thoughts and ideas.

Manet’s ‘Olympia’ was also in the back of my mind when exploring this idea.

My work is extremely vibrant, luscious and glossy just as I want it to be. The materials used are just as important as the subject matter. I have displayed my work in a series. The Barbie body parts add a sinister touch to my work.

Other artists researched include Frida Kahlo, Amanda Coogan, Paul McCarthy, Anna Gaskall, Nan Goldin and Gerhard Richter.