Sex objects, feminist humour, moving sculpture, re-signifying 'the nude' : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the postgraduate degree of Master of Fine Arts at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

My sculpture and performance-based practice deploys humour and movement to engage with knotted questions around sexuality and objectification. Both contemporary and historical representations of the female nude in the traditionally maledominated western canon all too frequently offer her body up, like a delicious pale dessert. The leaning, bending, swooning flesh is eroticised and yet also pacified. The vulva smoothed away. In contrast, heroic male nudes are more often eroticised in a way which emphasises their agency, power and control. My thesis project contests the privileged position of the white male artist and viewer, examining sexuality, gender stereotypes, and power. I use humour as a critical tactic to draw the viewer in, the honey to the sting, whilst also exploring the seductive potential of materials.