Viewing Bourgeois

Date

2023-04

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Keyhole Press, The University of Tampa

Abstract

Louise Bourgeois was a prolific multimedia artist who focused on the human form and relationships through sculpture. Bourgeois’ depictions of intimate relationships and human forms lead to a voyeur-exhibitionist relationship between the object and the viewer. The objects she has created make the audience feel as though they should not be looked at even though they are on full display, while the viewer is being reflected in the work and being exposed just as the object is. The pieces outlined in this paper are three of many works that directly reflect the viewer off the surface of the object. Bourgeois’ work demands that viewers uncover themselves and experience a profound connection between themselves and the object. The reason this is so meaningful is that when removing the implications of the artist from the objects while engaging in these voyeur-exhibitionist connections, new and personal meaning is created. This is accomplished through Reader-Response Theory. This paper was produced in Dr. Trentinella’s ART 225 course.

Description

Recommended citation: Igel, Zoë. “Viewing Bourgeois.” Q: Journal of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry, vol. 4, 2023, pp. 17-23. https://doi.org/10.48497/A150-9C92

Keywords

Louise Bourgeois, Voyeur-exhibitionist, Sculpture, Reader-Response Theory, Art Theory

Citation

Igel, Zoë. “Viewing Bourgeois.” Q: Journal of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry, vol. 4, 2023, pp. 17-23. https://doi.org/10.48497/A150-9C92

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