Hirsute bodies: the reclamation of the feminine in contemporary South African art

McIntosh, Tavish

Hirsute bodies: the reclamation of the feminine in contemporary South African art

Master Thesis

2006

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the presence and the significance of hair in the work of contemporary South African artists Penny Siopis, Tracey Rose and Nandipha Mntambo. The use of this material, a substance embedded in the body and characterizing its appearance, is indicative of a desire to validate the material body and reclaim its connection with the feminine. The author argues for a return to the theories of the French Feminists, Helene Cixous, Luce lrigaray and Julia Kristeva, who were the initial proponents of the idea of l 'ecriture feminine (feminine writing). The feminine text, which enjoyed currency in the seventies, is again relevant for the analysis of these artists' work in light of their calculated use of hair to both explore and exploit the position of the feminine. The author contrasts the French Feminists' use of strategic essentialism with Judith

Keywords

Historical Studies

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