Galleries by Madecyn Binek

• Reflections of Us — I chose the theme of identity and art while focusing specifically on women’s stereotypes and representation. My exhibition, Reflections of Us, explores different expectations society has placed on women and how artists have shown or challenged those expectations. Some of the stereotypes I focus on are the idea that women should be quiet and passive, that women are mainly valued for their appearance or bodies, they are naturally supposed to be caregivers, and how their accomplishments are often less recognized. These stereotypes can make women feel as if they need to fit into one specific role instead of being able to have different identities, emotions, experiences, and goals. The artworks in my exhibition show different sides of women’s identities and demonstrate how art can challenge these limited ideas. The main theory I am using for this exhibition is self-representation. Women have often been represented through images and expectations created by society that can lead to stereotypes about how they look or act. Self-representation allows women to have more control over their own stories, bodies, emotions, cultures, and identities. Frida Kahlo’s statement, “I paint self-portraits because I am often so alone, because I am the person I know best,” connects to this idea because she uses her own body and experiences to represent herself. Barbara Kruger challenges the expectation that women should remain quiet, Judy Chicago brings overlooked women into historical appreciation, and Faith Ringgold represents Black women through creativity, community, and storytelling. I chose The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo because it shows that a woman’s identity can have many different sides. The two figures represent different parts of Kahlo’s identity, including her cultural background and personal experiences. The painting challenges the idea that women should be defined by one role or relationship. I chose Rage + Women = Power by Barbara Kruger because it challenges the stereotype (3 views)