Read Linda Nochlin’s article “Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?” in a careful and thorough manner.
As you read Nochlin’s Essay, consider these questions:
- What are some specific structural barriers that prohibited women from becoming artists before the contemporary era?
- What are some reasons that Nochlin gives that explain why a few women were able to circumvent the patriarchy to become professional artists?
- What are some notions and ideas that have privileged men as artists?
Write a 2-3 page (600-750 words) paper that considers the three questions listed above. Take care to include a thesis statement, or argument, in the introduction. Your thesis does not have to be limited to a single sentence, and should include some of the thoughts you have pertaining to the prompt questions. Use the introduction to state the thesis (argument) that you will defend in the body paragraphs. This needs to be a very well thought, detailed, and well-written essay.
In the body paragraphs, include quotations from Nochlin’s article that support your arguments. Include the citation like this: (Nochlin, page #).
In the conclusion, summarize your argument, and remind the reader of the points you made to support your thesis.
Requirements: 2-3 page (600-750 words)
Answer preview
Nochlin posits that men considered themselves more talented and fit to produce artistic works as women were only supposed to create artwork as a hobby (Nochlin, pg. 8). Male’s position in society was considered ‘natural’; thus, they more destined to make quality artistic work. Additionally, men were given more privileges and opportunities as established artists only considered other men as their apprentices, and schools mainly considered men. On the same note, white male supremacy was a factor that privileged men as artists as the institutions did not believe in women and their problems, which were considered non-issues in a world dominated by male supremacy.
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