Feminsim and Art?

What are my assumptions about Feminsism and Art? How was I suppose to answer this question, especially when I do not really know much about art or feminism. The first time I read this question, it was hard for me to understand how I was supposed to relate to this question. Moreover, I questioned what art and feminisms was related to women studies. Then after reading the question and the directions, I became more comfortable with the question. My trip to the various museums in Washington was an event I will honestly never forget. It was memorable particularly because I went alone and at the end of the day, I gained so much knowledge about art, the world and respect for people. At first I did not have any interest going to four museums. I never had any interest in museums and believed going to these exhibits was a waist of my money and time. I wondered why the teacher simply did not show us slides in class of the museum like most teachers would do. But now I understand there’s a big difference between viewing something on a slide show and being in a museum in person. Going to the museum is sort of going back in time because you get a feel of the environment. Each museum had so many outstanding displays and helped me gain more understanding about the meaning of feminism and art.
The first museum I visited was the National Museum of the American Indian. Overall I liked the structure of the Museum before I even set foot inside the building. Outside, visitors could view and admire the building with various symbols of the American Indian culture. Another feature that fascinated me was the size of the museum as I walked inside the building. The museum contains four exhibitions called Our Universe, Our People, Our Lives and Return to a Native Place with important areas to the Native Americans. This museum is definitely feminist because probably ever floor contained information and areas dedicated to women and their craft. Rawaw was amongst the crafts worn by women as a symbol of happiness. The Trariwe was worn by a female as who represents a community leader. The fact that the museum contains so many artifacts about the women of the Indian culture is enough to conclude that the museum is feminist. Not only do they show the craft but they also include information about certain things about Indian women. For instance the procedures Native American women went through to bead. They information about the women were very detailed and informative.

The next museum I visited was the Hirshhorn which is not quit far from the National Museum of the American Indian. Unlike other museums it was very hard to infer what this museum was about because Hirshhorn is a name I never heard before. Unlike the American Indian this museum dealt with more complex works of art. For instance there was a work of art which was a video about ants with color disks. Another display was a swirl pattern made from wired hangers. I found this museum very fascinating because the art works made you think and ask yourself what it is the artist is trying to convey. Further more, simply by looking at the artwork was hard to jump into conclusion whether it was an artwork created by a male or female. A particular artist that I impressed was by is Alexander Calder. I can not really explain the connection I felt when I saw his art works. Maybe it was vivid color or the weird figures with circle on the painting. Although the Hirshhorn contains outstanding works of art, I personally feel this museum is not feminist specifically because there is no area in the museum dedicated to women. The Hirshhorn deals with more complex and abstract work of art probably to entertain visitors and make them leave with curiosity.
Near Hirshhorn was the National Museum of Africa Art which was hard to find because in order to get into the museum, one had to take an elevator to a lower level. The entrance was very beautiful and one thing different from the other museum was the large wishing well in the center. The only thing I did not like about this museum is amount of art work they had to offer. I was disappointed that the collection was very small; I was hoping to see a lot of collection of African Art because Africa is obviously a big continent and I know they have a lot to offer. Overall, the after careful examination of the art work, I personally think this museum is not feminist. Although they had certain art pieces in a form of females, I do not think that is enough to justify that the museum is feminist.
Last but not least, The National Museum of Women and the Arts were very beautiful. I fell in love with the simplicity of the museum and the way everything was arranged. I was very pleased to be in a building dedicated to women and their arts. There were several artists that I feel in love with, for instance Georgia O’Keeffe. Her paintings are very beautiful, I could not stop staring at her art work, and they made me feel happy and relaxed. Another artist was Elizabeth Catlett. I was attracted to her artwork particularly because I did not really come upon a lot of artwork of black women. Without a doubt, the National Museum of Women and the Arts is genuinely feminist. The museum is for women and probably by women. Most importantly it the only museum dedicated the wonderful art work of women in the world.
Going to Washington D.C was an adventure and find it better than sitting in a class and viewing slides. When you go each exhibit you learn more and enjoy what each artist have to offer because you are there in person. At times, you have the option the feel the artworks and examine details that you would not be able to because you were not there in person. I also learned more about the art and feminism by examining how each museum embrace each concept. Although going to the museum was a class project, I see myself returning to these exhibits for personal enjoyment.


Brenda Njinjoh



Assumption about Feminism

1. I assumed that feminism was concept that applies only to women.
2. I assumed that feminism started around World War II.
3. I assumed that feminism was a secret society that grew over the years
4. I assumed that feminism helped created more jobs for women.
5. I assumed that because of feminism, when were capable of working in other areas instead of simply being house wife and caring for children.
6. I assumed feminism wanted more power in the society.
7. I assumed that feminism was a way of living and thinking.
8. I assumed that feminism only occurred in the United States.
9. I assumed that National Museum of the American Indian would not have a lot display for women.
10. I assumed the National Museum of the American Indian was a male dominant museum.
11. I assumed that the National Museum of the American Indian would not have significant information about prominent female figures in the Indian culture.
12. I assumed that the National Museum of African Art would have more arts and crafts of female figures.
13. I assumed that the National Museum of African Art had a particular section for women.
14. I assumed that the National Museum of African Art would prove more information about female artist.
15. I assumed that the National Museum of Women and the Art would display only art of American Women.
16. I assumed that the National Museum of Women and the Arts was smaller and did would not provide a lot of information about women.
17. I assumed that the National Museum of Women and the Arts would not have a large collection of women and their arts from all over the world.
18. I assumed that at Hirshhorm one would be able to distinguish which whether an art work was done by a male or female, but to my surprise, I found it hard to predict.
19. I assumed that Hirshorm would have more work sophisticated works of art for women because the museum displayed complex works of art.
20. I assumed that the Hirshorm museum would be divided in various sections for each sex.
21. I assumed that art had to be complicated to gain recognition.
22. I assumed that art had more to do with painting rather than little things such arrow stick from Indians.