Case Study
For my case study, I propose to analyze Barbara Kruger's artwork "Your Body is a Battleground" through the lens of the Intelligence-Love-Revolution triad. Kruger's provocative piece challenges traditional notions of gender, identity, and the commodification of the female body in media and advertising. By fragmenting the image of a woman's face and overlaying bold text, Kruger critiques the societal construction of femininity and highlights the political struggle over women's autonomy and reproductive rights.
This case study relates to the "Intelligence" aspect by deconstructing the ways media and visual culture shape our perceptions of gender and identity. It questions the "intelligence" behind these representations and their underlying power dynamics. The "Love" component manifests in Kruger's feminist approach, advocating for love and respect for women's bodies and experiences. Additionally, the artwork's creation for the 1989 Women's March on Washington exemplifies a "Revolutionary" act, resisting oppressive structures and fighting for women's rights over their own bodies.
Conceptual framework
To develop a theoretical framework, I will draw from Donna Haraway's "Cyborg Manifesto," which introduces the cyborg as a post-gender figure challenging binary notions of identity. Haraway's cyborg metaphor represents a hybrid existence transcending biological essentialism, offering a liberating vision akin to Kruger's deconstruction of gender norms.
I will also incorporate feminist theory and critiques of visual culture, such as Laura Mulvey's concept of the "male gaze" and its objectification of women in media. Additionally, I will reference contemporary artists like Cindy Sherman and Shirin Neshat, whose works explore similar themes of gender, identity, and media representation.
Model
My vision for this project is to create a multimedia installation that combines elements of Kruger's bold text and imagery with digital and interactive components. The installation would invite viewers to engage with and deconstruct media representations of gender, prompting critical reflection on the intelligence behind these constructions.
The central piece will be a wearable robotic garment attached to the wall, inspired by a Hexapod robot and controlled by a remote. This robotic element represents the integration of technology and the human body, echoing Haraway's cyborg metaphor. The garment's movements and interactions will aim to foster an emotional connection and explore the complexities of human-machine relationships in a post-human context.
The modeling process will involve experimenting with different scales, materials, and technologies to create an immersive and thought-provoking experience. I aim to incorporate elements of love and revolution by fostering empathy through the garment's anthropomorphic qualities and encouraging viewers to challenge oppressive societal norms regarding gender and identity.
Ultimately, my goal is to create a work that embodies the Intelligence-Love-Revolution triad, using art as a catalyst for critical thinking, empathy, and social change. The robotic garment will serve as a physical manifestation of the post-human vision, inviting viewers to contemplate the ethical and emotional implications of human-machine integration while deconstructing traditional notions of gender and identity.
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