Cynthia Freeland Art Theory

In chapter five of Art Theory: A Very Short Introduction by Cynthia Freeland, entitled Gender, genius, and Guerrilla Girls, she discusses how gender and sexuality play a role in art. She opens with discussing the Guerrilla Girls. A feminist group from 1985 that protested against sexism and used gorilla masks to cover their faces. The group created ads in order to get their message across. This is shown when she says, “published in magazines, pasted up as street signage, or slapped onto the bathroom walls in museums and theatres” (Freeland 85). The G-Girls were able to show their support and progressive movement through art. She continues by stating how other women’s art, like pottery, was recognized, but they were still discriminated based

on their gender.

As a whole, Freeland believes gender and sexuality should not influence an opinion. This is shown when she says, “In order to interpret artworks, we must look beyond gender and sexual preference to the broader context that gives any art it’s meaning” (Freeland). Overall, Freeland mainly emphasizes how art can be influenced by gender and sexuality; however, a viewer mustn't judge an art piece solely on the artist’s orientation, but rather the piece itself and the piece only.