Art Monsters reveals the occult stories of women that desired to create art
Art Monsters, a comprehensive book on art history, intertwines the narratives of various feminist artists. Authored by Lauren Elkin, the book showcases images of artworks and facilitates dialogues with feminist artists.
The book reflects the emergence of various feminist movements, the advocacy for
women’s equality and freedom during specific times. It echoes the sentiments of women from as early as the 17th century to the postmodern decades, until present day.
Art Monsters provides insights into the subcultures of arts and feminism. It builds for the reader the foundations and apprehensions of what it is to be a woman through the last 400 years. The female artist’s practices were designed to elicit reactions from those who viewed their artwork; they sought to use their art as a medium for social commentary and change.
In a chapter on ‘bodies’, Elkin writes: “Fuses (a short film) certainly gives us the
unviewable in the form of the male genitals, covered with fig leaves for most of arts history and shots of (artist) Carolee’s impressively full bush… the camera zooms in on the pores and the bumps… the material of this film itself is thickly collaged with different inks and features glued to it…”
Elkin carefully articulates and analyses this erotic film and other feminist artistic works. Rather than passively converse, she investigates and watches/observes all these artworks that she has included in her book, for the purpose of revealing aspects, and intriguing stories to the reader, who has yet to view these artworks themselves in real life.
This disparity in exposure could influence the understandings of the artworks discussed in the book; an opportunity for readers to broaden their knowledge and appreciation of art through Elkin’s expert analysis and commentary. Elkin’s writing is descriptive, and I would compare her expertise to the likes of 20th century writer Susan Sontag.
If you appreciate a critical analysis towards Art, that provides praise and constructive
thought, then Art Monsters is worth reading, especially when one can ingest its content.
By Jasmin Shojai
Header image via Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay