I am a Canadian artist working on an interactive art installation and social engagement project entitled Eyeing Medusa — encompassing a series of encaustic paintings, interactive art installations, workshops and digital media resources.
I am starting this blog to share some of my inspiration and thoughts about each of my portraits and installations as they relate to artworks in collections worldwide.
Each post will centre on one or more of the artworks and explore the titles, stories and connections I see between historical artworks and contemporary issues; as well as highlight the amazing women who inspired me! I’ll also update you about upcoming exhibitions and workshops.
ABOUT EYEING MEDUSA
Intended as a catalyst for change — Eyeing Medusa celebrates wise/willful women making a difference in the world today; and explores how historical representations of women in art relate to problems in contemporary society.
Eyeing Medusa is a response to the plethora of paintings and sculptures in Western Art in which historically women are idealized and objectified; or vilified, victimized and blamed; and in which women of colour are either hyper-sexualized, servants or notably absent.
Viewers are invited to reflect upon long-standing bias and perspectives; and look at women in a new light: women of all ages, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, and walks of life.
The paintings feature the face full-on so you can look into her eyes without any distractions and come to know who she is and why we should pay attention.
New works will be added to the gallery as they reach completion.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Each of the portraits links to a range of digital resources which explain the title, contextualize the work within the history of art and outline the accomplishments of the individual who inspired each artwork.
In addition I have created a page entitled Food for Thought which explores representations of women in art throughout history, categorized thematically, which you may find interesting. This page is in progress and only skims the surface, partly due to copyright reasons, but it’s a start to get us thinking.
I welcome additions, suggestions, links and interested partners on this enormous and ongoing project.
EYEING MEDUSA VIDEO SERIES
I have also started a video series viewable at https://www.amantascott.com/videos and also a YouTube channel: Amanta Scott where you can see a range of videos as the project progresses.
Currently in development, EYEING MEDUSA is made possible thanks to Ontario Arts Council from whom I was awarded a Mid-Career Artists’ Grant.
I welcome respectful comments, questions and constructive criticisms so please don’t hesitate to chime in. I look forward to hearing from you!
stay tuned — chat soon —
Amanta