I am currently taking a course on Feminist Theory. This past week I was assigned to read the work of Linda Nochlin, in particular an essay, “Women, Art, & Power”.
In this particular essay, Nochlin discusses and dissects well-known images in art that portray women negatively. One of the paintings that was a surprise to me in regards to feminist discussion was “The Gleaners” by Millet. I have witnessed this painting before and bypassed it in regards to feminist theory. What Linda Nochlin brings to attention (and surface) is the idea behind culture and the perceived normalcy of these women bending and “gleaning”. Upon internet research I came across French director Agnes Varda who made a film called “The Gleaners and I” a response to the painting. I found this foto and felt an immediate connection with Mrs. Varda….its all in the hair……

 

Further research and thinking led me to Breda Beban’s “The Most Beautiful Girl in Gucha”. The title of this video work, relates to a gypsy dancer who sways, bends and twists for money. The protagonist of the short film is a beautiful woman, filmed in Turkey, who is teased by a drunken patron.