Essay On Judy Chicago

The artist I choose to do my research paper is Judy Chicago. Chicago was born on July 20, of 1939 in Chicago, Illinois. She is still alive to this day and is currently 77 years old. Although her birthname is Judith Cohen; she later changed her name to Judy Chicago. Judy is a contemporary artist who opened the boundaries for women during a time that was mostly held by tight norms and societies outlook on what was deemed normal and appropriate.

Judy Chicago was an explorer/ pioneer; someone who broke the boundaries during the 1970’s in favor of women in the art community. She helped question the predominant role of men meanwhile find a suitable role for women in contemporary art. Chicago paved the road for women and made a stand against against

the norms by show casing and setting up her own rules and norms. “Chicago embraced explicitly female content. Creating works that recognized the achievements of major female historical figures or celebrated women's unique experiences, Chicago produced a rich body of work that sought to add women to the historic record and, more generally, to enhance their representation in the visual arts.(Judy Chicago Biography)”

Chicago not only made a name for herself but also encouraged women all over the world to stand up and make their own norms. She helped level the playing field by encouraging her students to break out of the usual forms, color and style.

Something I noticed throughout viewing various works of Judy Chicago was that she used very vibrant colors and was very symmetrical and geometrical throughout her work. Also some of her work of painting contain a very obvoius underlinning sexaul reference to them such as Birth Trinity made in 1985. Chicago used the female body to demonstrate that it is worthy and should be showcased and not just be locked away. Chicago in my opinion, was a feminist who exposed the righteousness and glory of the female autonomy and was very blunt about it. The word Feminism is sometimes used as a way to shame women or men for believing that women should be equal to men. But in all reality women are the backbone and the structure that bind a family, culture and world together.

I would have to say the work that most stood out to me by Judy Chicago's “The Dinner Party.” She portrayed the behind the scenes people meaning the “hired help”.

The Dinner Party “consist of embroidered runners, gold chalices and utensils, and china-painted porcelain plates with raised central motifs that are based on vulvar and butterfly forms and rendered in styles appropriate to the individual women being honored. (The Dinner Party by Judy Chicago)” Judy Chicago demonstrated that not only those who eat at the table are worthy of mention and praising but the those who set the table and ensure everything runs smoothly and adequately are honorable. Chicago only placed women in her artwork “The Dinner Party”, some real life examples and others imaginary who had been fundamental in shaping the Western World into what it is today. What stood out the most to me was we as humans tend to be self centred and egocentric and tend to not want to acknowledge those who do so much yet are not praised for their efforts. Judy “focused on the development of technique and expression through the process of "consciousness-raising," which recognized female identity and independence through the group's art practice, combining object-making, installation, and performance.(Judy Chicago

Biography)”

Chicago worked with various types of material that were deemed woman's “pass time” such as needlework, and but also used tapestry, metal work, porcelain woodworks, and paint. Judy Chicago mastered a wide range of art forms. Chicago was a phenomenal woman and artist she truly is an outstanding example for women to meet and surpass; she literally set the standards for future generations. Her bravery to express what she felt within and the autonomy of women has made her a living legend.

Judy Chicago had a very interesting life and career in the art world which developed in a time frame that was restricted and confined on women's rights and norms. But Chicago did not allow those who were closed minded and ignorant to halt her revolutionary change and eventually from producing magnificent pieces of art. Chicago has received many honors throughout her lifetime, she also has helped found various foundations in Chicago, Illinois. Judy has helped a vast amount of people learn and develop their art skills, and she will continue to do so. Artist like Judy Chicago inspired younger generations to be bold, courageous and think outside of the box. That is the reason she has become an icon and visionary in the art world.