Eighteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

Geometry is a form of mathematics and thus a component of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). With this in mind, this paper has two aims: 1) to explore the use of geometric form in the work of artist Mainie Jellett as a contribution to current debates concerning the nexus between the visual arts and STEM; and 2) to apply a lesbian feminist lens to the art practice of Jellett and her colleague Evie Hone, to initiate exploration into why a substantial number of women artists practicing in the early twentieth century incorporated geometry in their art practice, whilst placed outside the art system and the established categories of art history (Müller-Westermann & Høgsberg, 2020). Jellett adopted Andre Gliezes method of rotating geometric form across the canvas to give form to subject matter. Using an arts-based research (ABR) approach that combines visual art practice and autoethnography, I applied photoshop to de-construct the geometric forms contained within one Jellett painting. I then reproduced the work. This deconstruction process provided access to the artist’s approach, while revealing connections between geometry and the visual arts. In this paper I document Gliezes process as used by Jellett, to articulate how geometry can be integrated into art practice to contribute to learning STEM. I also propose that by considering the lesbian feminist perspective, the literal relationship between geometric form and the visual arts, can be transformed into an abstract metaphor for women’s independence.