Artist Statement
The Webspinna Battle was much more fun, and more challenging, than I thought it might be. The idea to personify Western ideas of masculinity and femininity was Emily’s. I liked the idea, and so we went for it.
It quickly became apparent media representations of these two ideas were extremely varied. After discussing it a couple of times, we decided to portray a spectrum of media and ideas.
It quickly became apparent media representations of these two ideas were extremely varied. After discussing it a couple of times, we decided to portray a spectrum of media and ideas.
These would start out with fairly conventional stereotypes before escalating to media whose portrayal of men and women was the most superficial, the most dysfunctional, and what we felt was most damaging. After this peak (or lowest, low, I suppose) each of our media pieces was meant to move in the direction of boosting awareness of these issues and hopefully inviting introspection in the audience about what some of the pressures are upon men and women in our society. We hoped to finish with a message of equality and harmony, reinforcing the inherent dignity in and importance of both.
To add another layer of ambiguity to our performance, we decided we would each wear clothes most often worn by the opposite gender. I am curious as to historical gender associations with trousers.
I elicit this because it seems like it is more culturally acceptable for women to dress as men than vice-versa. Back to trousers. Were these ever traditionally menswear? I don’t know.
When approaching the swapped-clothing idea, we both felt it very important to do so in a respectful way.
I elicit this because it seems like it is more culturally acceptable for women to dress as men than vice-versa. Back to trousers. Were these ever traditionally menswear? I don’t know.
When approaching the swapped-clothing idea, we both felt it very important to do so in a respectful way.
The actual Webspinna battle was very enjoyable. The ambiance of Studio A, the sweet tunes and high-fructose corn goodness-laced desserts all lent to an atmosphere where I felt very comfortable and felt like I got to know my peers better. All the same, performing was a nerve-wracking experience. I had placed each one of my songs on this blog deliberately to counter specific songs Emily played. Emily decided last minute to omit a couple she didn’t fit. At the time, this frustrated me a bit. I had practiced on a very specific version of how I thought everything would go down, of course, as I hadn’t actually practiced this live with Emily things went differently.
Rather than being frustrated, I think I should have sought to just enjoy the moment and flow more with Emily’s ideas rather than trying to push my own too hard.
I don’t know that we were effective in conveying our message. It was probably entertaining to watch, but I don’t know that the average audience member would have noticed or understood our artistic arc, and it probably felt like we were bolstering stereotypes instead of challenging them.
Rather than being frustrated, I think I should have sought to just enjoy the moment and flow more with Emily’s ideas rather than trying to push my own too hard.
I don’t know that we were effective in conveying our message. It was probably entertaining to watch, but I don’t know that the average audience member would have noticed or understood our artistic arc, and it probably felt like we were bolstering stereotypes instead of challenging them.
Despite these challenges, I really enjoyed the webspinna battle, especially collaborating with Emily who is a great collaborative teammember.
Hairdryer
California Gurls
Bedazzle that Bra
It's so fluffy
What a Girl Wants 1:14
Man! I feel like a woman
Where them girls at
Big Girls Don't Cry
MAN/The Mask You Live In
Regina says she hates you...
I'm sorry you hate me because I'm Popular.
Bikini-Ready Body!
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