Art has always been used as a means of storytelling. Whether that be through music, writing, or painting, the world has been vastly enriched by the creativity we have as humans–the stories that we tell.
I believe that it takes both men and women–equally–to make a true, complete society. And as such, female art expresses a side of humanity that cannot be expressed solely through art by men.
Unfortunately, the concept of gender equality in our society has not yet fully come to fruition. American history has mostly focused on men’s roles in shaping our country. Perhaps this is because historical accounts were written mostly by men; perhaps it is because women historically were not given the same means of education and training as their male counterparts. Whatever the reason, the fact has come to light in this present era more than ever that we need to hear the voices of women: women in politics, women in the church, women speaking up among crowds where it is mostly men who contribute. Women are crucial to the telling of humanity’s narrative. When even one of us steps forward to tell our side of the story, the world becomes a better, more interesting place.
Today, there are so many talented, hard-working women who are making waves in the industry of creativity. Musicians like Beyoncé, Adele, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift have established themselves as seasoned artists who can hold their own ground; while newer young artists like H.E.R. and Billie Eilish have been bringing something fresh to the table.
Painters like Frida Khalo, Jenny Saville, and Leonora Carrington depict female portraits that are bold and beautifully vulnerable. They paint women through the eyes of women–not women through the eyes of men–and the results are so wonderfully confrontational and real. This can be seen in Kahlo’s “The Two Fridas (Las dos Fridas)” from 1939, in which Kahlo shows two personalities: one woman in a traditional costume with a broken heart, and the other woman in modern dress, independent, and full of heart. It can also be seen in Saville’s “portrait of a feminist,” a woman with penetrating eyes, painted in bold color. These women’s artistic innovations, along with many others, have changed the art world forever.
Up and coming fashion designers are also elevating the game–whether they are taking inspiration from icons like Coco Chanel and Vera Wang, or going down a completely different path. Take a look at Priya Ahluwalia, who combines elements from her dual Indian-Nigerian Heritage and London roots, and explores the potential of vintage and deadstock clothing by “giving existing textiles and traditions techniques a new life” or Carolina Herrera, a Venezuelan designer with an “exceptional personal style,” who dressed various First Ladies including Jacqueline Onasis and Michelle Obama.
And finally writers like Jane Austen, Mary Shelley, and Emily Dickinson - bold, intellectual pioneers of their time - have paved the way for contemporary authors such as Toni Morrison, Amy Tan, Donna Tartt, Alice Walker, Celeste Ng, and so many more to tell their unique narratives, becoming household names regarded with respect and admiration.
It’s not always an easy path, though. So many times, these capable women–especially those who are constantly in the limelight of today’s mainstream media–are branded as “too pushy,” or “manipulative,” or “unprofessional.” Sometimes, they are simply written off as lightweights who only made it because they had a “pretty face.” All of these things greatly undermine the hard work they have put in to get to where they currently are.
Kayla Bruno, (sophomore, psychology), a creative photographer herself, put it this way: “I think that women are very objectified in society. And as a woman, I think it’s vital to see women in a more positive light. Photography for me is a cathartic experience because I feel like I’m able to make people smile when they see my pictures and just bring joy to their lives. I think that having female voices is important, especially in the art world.”
We need to start giving more credit to the women who have stepped forward to round out the conversation. Whether they are musicians, painters, fashion designers, writers, actresses, or photographers, these amazing women are always pushing the boundaries of their respective fields. Each of them provides a peek into the mystery of the world and why it was brought about.
We only get half the story if there are only men in art and creativity. The world needs women to inspire, to uplift, and to serve as role models for a future generation of girls who are not afraid to make their stories heard, because the path has been paved for them.
Depicted above: Jenny Saville’s “portrait of a feminist” and Frida Khalo’s “Las dos Fridas”
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.