Vana E. Robertson

Women in the Media, 2017

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Research informing this work can be found here:

Artist Statement:

To mirror the poignancy of the research informing this work, which explores the connection between inequality, media representation, and negative sociological outcomes, the imagery provided in this work is intentionally challenging to engage with. Consisting of a female figure seemingly sinking into the surface she is being held down onto by many groping hands, contemporary issues facing women are underscored by the actions of each assaulting grasp, including one that forces the captive's observance of the stolen autonomy, the claimed control over an unborn child that is being pulled from her, and the revealing of her left breast in spite of the word ‘modesty’ written on her shirt. The female figure is tense in the scene, and very obviously uncomfortable, reaching up towards the viewer, as if for help, in rejection of the abuse surrounding her. Underneath this disturbing scene are several images taken from real advertisements that sexualize, objectify, or brutalize women for the purpose of selling a product, such as one advertising for Fluid Hair Cuts that shows a woman with a black eye on a couch, a man fixing himself behind her and a caption that reads “Look good in all you do”. In all, this work embodies the disturbing realities and repercussions that emerge from the most commonly harmful representations of women being propagated by the mass media, and chosen by a predominantly patriarchal industry. With details which are incredibly violent in nature, as well as the juxtaposition of the surrounding clean media images, the sculpture must be observed by looking down on it, adding to a feeling of helplessness for the subject. Being only a couple feet in length, miniaturization demands closeness for a full observation of the many fine details, much like the requirement of close investigation to understand the very real and impactful ramifications of the negative images that society members are being subjugated to, mostly without consent. Materials used include Original Scuplty brand plasticine to obtain greater detail at a relatively smaller scale, as well as an earthy feeling within the main figure. The terracotta plasticine sits on a methodically cut out piece of wood, covered in product marketing images that support the research informing such. To obtain a clean and smooth finish to the supporting structure, Mod Podge adheres the relevant media images to the wooden base, providing a polished sheen.

Illustrations Cited:

Abusive Relationship - Google Search. Digital image. Abusive Relationship - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2017. <https://www.google.ca/search?tbm=isch...:>.

Violence against Women in Media - Google Search. Digital image. Violence against Women in Media - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2017. <https://www.google.ca/search...:>.

Violence against Women in Media - Google Search. Digital image. Violence against Women in Media - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2017. <https://www.google.ca/search... in ads negative&*&imgrc=87jQpOfHbmarvM:>.

Women Being in an Abusive Relationship Reasons - Google Search. Digital image. Women Being in an Abusive Relationship Reasons - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2017. <https://www.google.ca/search...>.

Women in the Media - Google Search. Digital image. Women in the Media - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2017. <https://www.google.ca/search?q=women%20in%20the%20media...:>.

Women in the Media - Google Search. Digital image. Women in the Media - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2017. <https://www.google.ca/search?q=women%20in%20the%20media... ads with women&*&imgrc=47VbA7lCSzxLyM:>.

Research for Women in the Media

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