Seventeenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

Art has the power to convene dreams for pedagogical and material interventions in the struggle for bodily integrity, dignity, and representation. Artistic expression enhances visibility, evokes dialogue, and deepens resistance and activism within and between communities. Female artists are harnessing the dialogue about gender, sexuality, and representation by building on the power of art - arguably one of the most effective cultural change tools. This research explores women who work in an arena highly dominated by men: iron casting and fabrication. The study seeks to explore the perspectives of female artists working in a medium historically dominated by men. The narratives are intended to capture a gendered world view and experience with material and production not traditionally associated with women or femininity. Upon closer inspection, their work often reveals a nuanced aspect that relates to their world view; at times the severity of geometric forms also contain a psychological charge. The world of iron can appear menacing and heavy but often the works of females can make it delicate as it is threatening. Such images are evocative for some works centralize a gendered theme while others are much more subtle and nuanced. This project seeks to capture the complexity of working within a world that is highly masculinized.