What the class discusses:
Representation in Art will deal with the ethics of representation, and consider how art
deals with depictions of people. What is an artist’s responsibility to his/her subject? Does
the very act of making an image of people involve some level of manipulation and
deceit? Artists are necessarily articulating a specific view of the people they portray. The
line between negative and positive portraits is fluid and permeable, and artists have long
struggled with implicit and explicit contractual issues involving their subjects. The
course will consider specific examples of people depicted in artwork in a way that caused
them discomfort. It will also explore how certain types of images (the nude for instance)
can play into constricting views of women. In addition to exploring feminist issues, the
course will also consider how these artistic mediums negotiate race, ethnicity and class
issues in the images they present. Does the very act of representing horrific events (war
for instance) keep viewers from engaging with the politics involved? To what extent
does looking at art allow us to engage in the world as ethical and involved citizens? In
looking at this work, students will think about how artists considered their subjects, and
be encouraged to become active and discerning viewers of artwork.
Instructions:
Choose a specific artwork
Research its reception in the world and how the person depicted felt about it.
Discuss the artist’s intentions and attempts to portray the subject as opposed to the latter’s reaction.
Discuss the dynamic between artist, human subject, and audience in relation to this work.
Artwork Chosen: The Holy Virgin Mary, Chris Ofili 1996
https://www.moma.org/collection/works/283373
My initial thoughts for the essay(Can go in a different direction if needed):
“The Holy Virgin Mary” is a controversial piece from his “Afrocentric Madonna” series. When exhibited in 1999, it caused uproar among conservatives for portraying the Virgin Mary with unconventional elements like elephant dung and pornographic images. Ofili’s intention was to create a contemporary reinterpretation exploring themes of race, identity, and spirituality. However, religious groups viewed the portrayal as blasphemous. The dynamic work sparks debates about freedom of expression, religious sensitivity, and art’s role in society. It highlights tensions between artistic intent, cultural interpretation and audience reception. I intend to use this piece, its representative nature, and the public reaction to answer the questions outlined in the instructions.
