Art and the Human Body

Introduction
The human body is essential to how we understand the levels of identity such as gender, sexuality, race, and ethnicity. Many artists explore gender through representations of the body and by using their own bodies in their craft.
Unit Learning Outcomes
Discuss some of the factors that have motivated artists to use their own bodies in works of art. (2, 3, 4)::
Differentiate between biological sex and gender and discuss some of the ways in which identity is constructed and how that manifests in art. (2, 3, 4)
Initial Post
In each unit discussion you will have a post where you address one or more of the questions posed. A high-quality post will be:
on time
thoughtful
answer thoroughly
use specific examples of artwork and/or use sources including the text, and online or offline articles to support its points.
Directions
Watch the following videos.
Research and explore for other information on these artists and their artwork.
Read the discussion questions below and leave your comments using the “Reply” prompt.
Make sure you proofread your posts and cite you sources using MLA format.
Videos
Where are the Women? With Jemima Kirke

Kimsooja, “A Beggar Woman” and “A Homeless Woman”

Cornelia Parker, ‘I’m Drawn to Things with a Past’

Sherman, Untitled Film Still #21

Cindy Sherman at the National Portrait Gallery

Robert Longo on Cindy Sherman’s Untitled Film Still #25

Burden – Exclusive Clip

Shot in the Name of Art

Vito Acconci, Security Zone, 1971

Discussion Questions
Required questions:
Which artwork did you react most strongly to (positively or negatively)?
Talk about the artwork (and link if you can) and tell us what interested or repelled you about it.
Choose 1 (one) of the following questions to answer:
Pick two artists from Cindy Sherman, Kimsooja, Vito Acconci or Chris Burden.
What effects are created by the artists using their bodies as part of their own work?
Compare and contrast the two that you have chosen.
What kind of influence does identity have on an artist?
In what ways do you think gender, race, social class, or sexual orientation would have an effect on their work?
Use specific art examples.
What do you think Parker is encouraging us to think about with the Folkestone Mermaid?
Is she defying the notion that only idealized female bodies have a place in art, or perhaps encouraging us to see the everyday as something more heroic?
How do you think Sherman’s work relates to the way we present ourselves in social media such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat etc?
Do we make up characters for ourselves the way she does?
How is that problematic and/or beneficial?

Last Completed Projects