FEMINIST ART. How can I make Art that is intersectional and feminist?

As a young person making art, I personally want to be part of a community that actively seeks to create new spaces for marginalized voices in both academia and the art world at large. I want to see an art world that is far more inclusive of women, people of color, indigenous peoples, trans and non-binary folks, differently-abled folks, people who live with mental illnesses, and all other identities who have been marginalized by race and gender systems. This means making conscious choices about the kind of art I am creating and being open to critiques that push me towards self-reflexivity on my own lived experiences.

This list is not exhaustive. It is meant only as a framework to consider as you make your own work!

Feminist art is art made by marginalized people, especially women. It is a movement that began in the 1970s to address representations of women in art and the role of women in the art world. Intersectional feminist art is feminist art that considers how different identities intersect, interact, and overlap with each other.

Intersectional feminist art can be made by anyone interested in intersectionality and feminist issues, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Here are some tips for creating feminist art. This is not a comprehensive list; it’s a starting point.

Step 1: Intersectionality

You must consider intersectionality when creating your piece. This is the idea that we are all oppressed in different ways based on our multiple identities, and we cannot have an effective liberation movement without considering these intersections. So for example, a black woman experiences racism differently than a white woman does and sexism differently than a black man does. If you are a white woman, you cannot speak for black women or assume your experience of sexism is the same as theirs. You cannot assume that what you feel about one identity fits other identities.

This doesn’t mean that you have to only focus on people who are the same as you – intersectionality isn’t about silencing voices, but rather making sure that everyone’s voice is represented.

A feminist artist should not be afraid to explore new ideas and new methods of expressing them. The art world has always been run by men, and it sometimes can feel like there’s only one right way to do things. But feminism is about breaking down stigmas and barriers, so it’s important to always push yourself outside of your comfort zone (as long as doing so doesn’t harm others).

Step 2: Feminism & Socialism

Feminism and socialism go together because feminism is about recognizing the humanity of

1. Do your research

Make sure your art does not contribute to oppressive structures; this means not just being aware of the male gaze but being aware of all the different ways a person can be oppressed.

Think about your background, what you studied in school, and how it may or may not have taught you about women’s issues. Think about who you are as a person, what your lived experiences and identities are. Think about your friends, family, partners and community. Do you belong to any marginalized groups? What is your relationship with these identities (i.e. are you an ally, a member of that group)?

These are some of many things to consider when evaluating whether or not you have privilege; privilege is complicated and cannot be boiled down to a yes/no answer.

However, if you’re asking “Is my art feminist?” and if the answer is yes then you don’t need to ask yourself any more questions because your art is definitely feminist (because feminism isn’t just for women).

2. Take responsibility for the messages in your art

If the content offends you or makes you uncomfortable then it will probably do the same thing to others. If something triggers an emotion in you that shouldn’t be triggered then it probably triggers similar emotions

1. Research your subject

Research your subject thoroughly. When you are talking about a complicated issue, don’t rely on your own opinion as the sole authoritative voice.

2. Analyze the issue from different perspectives

Look at the issue from different angles. Remember that there is more than one side to every story and if you’re going to paint something that is controversial, you better make sure you have all the facts straight.

3. Listen to people who are affected by the issue

Listen to the people who are affected by this issue. Don’t just listen to what they have to say, but listen closely so that you can understand where they are coming from and try to understand their perspective.

4. Keep an open mind

Don’t let your personal views get in the way of finding out the truth surrounding this issue. Try not to become defensive or angry if someone calls into question what you have done. Try to see things from another perspective instead of getting defensive because deep down inside, you know that in some way, what people are saying about your artwork is true (even if it’s not).

5. Be respectful of diverse viewpoints and experiences

Be respectful of different viewpoints and experiences when creating your artwork related to this issue. If someone is offended by

1. Know Your Audience

2. Be Empathetic

3. Be Decisive

4. Be Funny

5. Make it a Conversation

6. Have a Point or a Purpose

7. Use your Context to your Advantage

8. Think about the Role of the Artist in Society

9. Consider your Community and how you will be Representing it and Others in the Arts

10. Do Your Research

Being a feminist is probably the easiest thing you can do. Feminists are the people who believe in equal rights for women and men. There are so many different people who are feminists. From celebrities, to your next door neighbor, to your best friend and everyone in between.

You can be a feminist without ever saying you are one and you can be a feminist without being loud about it. You can be a feminist in your everyday life, by doing things like not degrading women or putting them down, calling them names or treating them differently than you would treat men.

Treating women equally doesn’t mean putting them up on a pedestal either. You can still appreciate their beauty and all that they bring to the world but don’t put them on this high throne where nobody else can reach them because there’s nobody up there with them either.

The first step to becoming a feminist is to recognize that women are human beings just like men are human beings and should be treated as such.

The second step is to realize that feminism isn’t just about helping women get ahead but it’s also about protecting men from discrimination too. If a man wants to wear make-up or if he wants to stay home with his children while his spouse works instead then those are both things