Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?

Synopsis

Linda Nochlin's seminal essay on women artists is widely acknowledged as the first real attempt at a feminist history of art. Nochlin refused to handle the question of why there had been no 'great women artists' on its own, corrupted, terms. Instead, she dismantled the very concept of 'greatness', unravelling the basic assumptions that had centred a male-coded 'genius' in the study of art. With unparalleled insight and startling wit, Nochlin laid bare the acceptance of a white male viewpoint in art historical thought as not merely a moral failure, but an intellectual one. Freedom, as she sees it, requires women to risk entirely demolishing the art world's institutions, and rebuilding them anew - in other words, to leap into the unknown.

In this stand-alone anniversary edition, Nochlin's essay is published alongside its reappraisal, 'Thirty Years After'. Written in an era of thriving feminist theory, as well as queer theory, race and postcolonial studies, 'Thirty Years After' is a striking reflection on the emergence of a whole new canon. With reference to Joan Mitchell, Louise Bourgeois, Cindy Sherman and many more, Nochlin diagnoses the state of women and art with unmatched precision and verve. 'Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?' has become a slogan and rallying cry that resonates across culture and society; Dior even adopted it in their 2018 collections. In the 2020s, at a time when 'certain patriarchal values are making a comeback', Nochlin's message could not be more urgent: as she herself put it in 2015, 'there is still a long way to go'.

With 14 illustrations

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

* Examines the historical exclusion of women from the art world and the reasons behind it.
* Real example: The 1885 exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London included only 14 works by women out of 1,400 on display.

Chapter 2: The Renaissance and Baroque Periods

* Discusses the limited opportunities for women artists during these periods due to societal norms and the male-dominated patronage system.
* Real example: Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653) was a talented Baroque artist who faced significant challenges and scrutiny as a woman working in a male-dominated field.

Chapter 3: The Enlightenment and Neoclassicism

* Explores the rise of women artists in the 18th century, but notes that they were still subject to constraints and faced obstacles.
* Real example: Marie-Anne Collot (1748-1821) was a renowned Neoclassical sculptor who achieved success despite facing discrimination.

Chapter 4: The 19th Century

* Analyzes the increasing prominence of women artists in the 19th century, particularly during the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements.
* Real example: Berthe Morisot (1841-1895) was a groundbreaking Impressionist painter who faced criticism for her unconventional style.

Chapter 5: The Modern Period

* Discusses the challenges and opportunities for women artists in the early 20th century, as they sought recognition and acceptance.
* Real example: Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1986) was a pioneering Modernist painter who overcame societal expectations to establish a successful career.

Chapter 6: The Post-War Period

* Examines the rise of feminist art movements and the increasing visibility of women artists in the post-World War II era.
* Real example: Judy Chicago (born 1939) is a feminist artist whose works have raised awareness of women's experiences and contributions.

Chapter 7: The Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries

* Discusses the continuing struggle for gender equality in the art world and the efforts of contemporary women artists to challenge stereotypes.
* Real example: Yayoi Kusama (born 1929) is a Japanese artist known for her immersive installations and subversive approach to art-making.

Chapter 8: The Way Forward

* Proposes strategies for promoting gender equity in the art world, including increased exhibition opportunities, mentorship, and public education.
* Real example: The National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to showcasing and promoting the work of women artists.