Naomi Parker-Fraley (1921 - 2018), pictured above, was the 20-year-old Oklahoma born machinist who while working for the Navy in California during WWII inspired the motivational 1943 "We Can Do It!" Rosie the Riveter poster, created by J. Howard Miller.
It
is not painted by a woman, but by a pariah of today’s society; “The White Man.’
It is a piece of art that has become iconic because of its message of female
empowerment. The image of Rosie the riveter with her fist clenched and born
aloft was for women what the uncle Sam “I WANT YOU” poster was for men.
The poster was created in order to empower women. By instilling pride and patriotism with its call for women to come and aid the nation. It raised awareness and broke down the traditional stereotypes of how women were traditional portrayed in American culture. Expectations had enclosed women's roles in society as the housemaker, but as men left the workforce to enlist and fight fascism around the world., the centers of industry were left empty of workers and women were required to fill the void and keep the power house of American industry rolling.
I picked this artwork for a multitude of reasons; in earlier classes we have discussed symbolism and culture. We had looked at 'Success Kid' who is using the same gesture and steely eyed look, despite now knowing that he is just upset that tasting a fist full of sand for the very first time isn't as pleasant as he had hoped it would be. We had also discussed how copying art demeans the value, this image is now seen on socks, tea towels, mouse pads and pretty much any mass produced item that can be decorated, but the only reason we know of this art work is because it was a widely printed piece of wartime propaganda. A portrait surrounded by a plain backdrop of bright primary colors, it is also according to that giant douche bag art critic Clement Greenberg that we studied a week ago; an easily understood narrative for the masses which supposedly debases art, which patently can’t be true as this an iconic artwork that represents power to the people. Finally I wanted to represent the oppression of women by using this piece of art that was created by a white bogeyman for the empowerment of women.
Image source
https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/history/info-2018/rosie-riveter-dies-fd.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Success_Kid#/media/File:SuccessKid.jpg
http://projectartistx.com/we-can-do-it-poster-j-howard-miller-1943/
Hi Russell! I think Rosie the Riveter is a great example to tie to this week’s reading. It is interesting how one of the greatest symbols of female empowerment was created by a white man. I also liked how you were able to tie this piece to our previous readings. Do you think that in this day and age, art for female empowerment needs to be created by women? By the way, I love the Princess Leia version of Rosie the Riveter that you included in this post.
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your question; "Do you think that in this day and age, art for female empowerment needs to be created by women?" No. Protesters that preach to the converted and sing to the choir aren't going to achieve anything. I firmly believe all just causes require allies from those who are not directly affected to join their fight. Feminists will not achieve true equality until the lion's share of men are activley supporting them too. Likewise BLM and the LGBTQ community both have to have the majority of American culture supporting them in order for them to achieve any significant improvement and so on down the line of any group seeking civil rights and equality. However just expecting change by simply blaming someone will achieve nothing but resentment. For example I'd suggest that only women can change the pink tax, as we live in a capitalist society where supposedly the consumer has the power of where they spend their money. As a man it is very hard to boycott something you never bought in the first place.
ReplyDelete