The Perception of Female Beauty In Art: "I Am Its Secret"

Sunday, May 8, 2011

"I Am Its Secret" - Shirin Neshat 1993

Until the Revolution, women were gaining economic and political rights in Iran; however, after the formation of the Islamic Republic, many rights were revoked. For example, women were forced to wear a veil, bilingual schools were closed, and religion was valued more than individual life (Satrapi). The photograph I Am Its Secret emphasizes the lack of women’s rights in Iran to this day. This specific image focuses on the fact that women in Islamic societies do not have any power; they feel as if their only purpose is to be looked at.

The darkness and mystery of this photograph accurately portrays female beauty and desire, yet at the same time there is fear and hurt behind the woman’s eyes. The woman is hidden by a veil and a poem is inscribed in red and black ink across her face. The only thing that is individualistic about the woman is her eyes, which seem to yearn for a change, as they hint that she feels doubt in her religion. The woman is obviously beautiful, with clear skin and bold, piercing eyes, but her true beauty is masked by her religion. She is not allowed to wear certain clothing, she must always be reserved, and she is not permitted to express non-Islamic interests. The thick eyeliner suggests that she wants to feel beautiful, she wants to be loved for who she is, and she wants to be noticed, but in reality, she is afraid to be different. She is just another “violent” Islamic woman. The poem written across her face by Forugh Farrokhzad is translated as the following:

I will greet the sun again;
I will greet the streams which flowed in me;
I will greet the clouds which were my lengthy thoughts; 
I will greet the painful growth of poplars 
Which pass through the dry seasons; 
I will greet the flocks of crows 
Which brought me, as presents,
The sweet smells of the fields at night;
I will greet my mother who lived in the mirror
And was the image of my old age;
And I will also greet the earth whose burning womb
Is filled with green seeds by the passion she has For reproducing me.
I will come, I will come, 
I will come with my hair, 
As the continuation of the smells of the soil;
With my eyes, as the dense experiences of darkness, 
Carrying the bushes I have picked in the woodlands 
beyond the wall.
I will come, I will come, 
I will come and the entrance will be filled with love; 
And at the entrance I will greet again
those who are in love,
And also the girl who is still standing
At the entrance in diffusion of love (Coates).

This poem emphasizes the feelings and desires of many Iranian women, such as Shirin Neshat. The references to her mother, herself, and “the girl,” refer to the tradition of Islamic culture and its restriction on women’s rights. The repetition of “I will come” emphasizes that one day in the future, women will achieve freedom. They will feel beautiful and loved because they will know what it feels like to be noticed and appreciated. Contrary to works from Ancient China and Europe, women in Iran are not seen as beautiful; they are not even seen as individuals.

Coates, Steve. Shirin Neshat’s ‘I Am Its Secret.’ May 17, 2010. <http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/17/shirin-neshats-i-am-its-secret/>
Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. Panthenon. Paris, France: 2003.

2 comments:

RAFIQ NOAMANIApril 10, 2020 at 3:24 AM
SO WHAT WHO CARES
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RAFIQ NOAMANIApril 10, 2020 at 3:24 AM
GOD BLESS YOU
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Introduction

People’s definition of a beautiful woman changes based on geographic location and time period. The following artworks from Ancient China, Ancient Europe, Iran, and the modern world are just a few examples of how the perception of beauty has changed from 618-2004. The world judges women by expecting them to look or act a certain way, but each society’s definition of beauty is slightly different. For example, one country may glorify slim women, while another may value heavier ones. Men may glorify women who do not challenge their authority, while others may value independent, successful scholars. However, no matter which race or which country these images relate to, women from all over the world want to feel beautiful, and many females try to change themselves in order to fit the society’s standard.

Links

The blog Image vs. Substance: Perceptions of Beauty further explores the idea that one’s perception of beauty is often unattainable. Avery uses words such as “flawless,” “perfect,” and “unrealistic” to emphasize the idea that a society often influences women to desire an ideal appearance, but in reality, it is almost impossible to achieve such an image.

For example, as demonstrated through “Elizabeth Taylor,” “the perception of beauty was reduced to sex appeal.” Through the depiction of a cartoon-looking portrait, the artist hints that the modern view of beauty has become superficial and shallow. People only focus on the exterior of a person, and they often admire women for beauty, not talent. Furthermore, Their is a clear link between women and the 1800’s, and modern women. Both would make “uncomfortable sacrifices in order to become ‘beautiful.’” These women would wear corsages to make their waistline appear thinner, where as today a slim midriff is still considered beautiful. The painting Queen Marie Antoinette emphasizes the idea that success comes to those who are attractive, a message that is accurate most of the time in modern society all over the world. Image vs. Substance: Perceptions of Beauty, however, does acknowledge the idea that in certain countries, for example, Europe in 1501, beautiful people were those who were intelligent, and in 1916, it was admirable when people challenged commonly accepted ideas. However, the crude truth is that throughout history, women are often admired not for their contributions to society or for their intelligence, but solely for their beauty.

http://beautyovertime.blogspot.com/

The blog Female Agency focuses on the similarities between men and women in everyday life, and how women are attempting to achieve the same rights and perceptions of beauty as men. Rather than women be judged by their looks, they strive to be judged by intelligence and confidence. The works in this blog highlight unfairness between the genders, as well as the image that women hope to obtain in the future.

The first piece “Judith Slaying Holofernus” depicts a strong woman whose bravery and determination dominate the painting. Although these qualities are usually paired with a man, Gentileschi expresses that a women is completely capable of being just as strong, literally and figuratively, as a man. This idea is carried over to “Hua Mulan Goes to War,” where Hua contradicts the usual stereotype of women getting married and bearing children. She embodies the strength and success that a man needs on the battlefield. Additionally, women are The poster “The Gurrilla Girls” calls attention to the severity of sexism and the idea that feminine art is only “museum-worthy” if the women are nude. Once again, a women is not valued for her talents, but for her body. These pieces focus on the modern idea that although women may have achieved the same rights as men, they will never be viewed as equals until a society can accept and appreciate a women not for her looks, but for her strength, wit, and success.

http://femaleagency.blogspot.com/?zx=cc488bf5607cb937