Miriam Schapiro
"Sources of her art were inseparable from her history and from the historical times in which she lived. Hence the politics of biography...One's art is, after all, oneself..." This statement by Frida Kahlo is an accurate reflection of the artistic life, led by American artist Miriam Schapiro. Her work was based around her life, and the inspiration needed to source her production was extracted directly from the era in which she existed, and the effect it had upon her as a person and an artist. Living with issues based upon the theme of Women in Society, Schapiro had a desire as an artist and a role as a homemaker. Combining the two became the base of Schapiro's work, and her struggle for recognition was her motivation. Schapiro's work reflects the personal journey within the constricted society of a specific era, and her accomplishment of overcoming the many confines she faced.Miriam Schapiro, during her life was exposed to issues in the 1950's onwards which influenced her as an artist. Her work was based on these issues, and "in examining the contradictions of her life through art, Schapiro has recognized the canvas as a site for critical exploration and has claimed through it the authority to give shape to her being." (Gouma-P
The 1980's saw a development in Schapiro's work and she moved to create a 'dance' series. These canvases, I'm Dancin' as Fast as I Can, Master of Ceremonies, and Moving Away, provided a means for Miriam to shape herself and integrate the male and female aspects of her personality. In the entire trilogy the figure is attempting to "form her identity," (Gouma-Peterson:1999:103) The first two pieces see the male figure in top hat and tails, remain as the dominant figure. In I'm Dancin' as Fast as I Can, the female figure is "frantically resisting her induction into the masquerade of femininity, while at the same time being drawn into it." (Gouma-Peterson:1999:103) The second piece portrays the women as a rag doll and a vamp, both who lack equated strength to the male leading them in the festivity. Moving Away demonstrates the progression of the figure, "she is literally moving away from the socially constructed female prototype to enter the world in some other, not as yet clearly defined form." (Gouma-Peterson:1999:103) In these three pieces, Schapiro has demonstrated her personal technique of femmages, layering different materials that are affiliated to the female gender. Confronted by Miriam Schapiro in these pieces is the formation of women and their attempts to find place in society, an issue that is a constant topic within her life. Schapiro's feelings and emotions were often vigorously portrayed within her works, her art was a reflection of the era and personal experiences she savored. Three subsequent works The House, Dialogue and Once Upon a Time, are pieces of Schapiro's which
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Approximate Word count = 1074
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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