자화상을 통한 현대여성의 자아실현과 소통

Abstract

Modern women’s self-realization through self-portraits, and communications.

- Focusing on my works -

Ahn Hee Ju Advisor : prof. JIN, Won-jang Department of Fine arts Graduate School of Chosun University

The main purpose of this thesis is to focus on the subject of sensibility of women living in the modern era through the figurative model of "dolls", exploring the topics of female sexuality through the lenses of theoretical analyses and delineation. The process of using 'self-portraits' as subject matter for expressing the "I", better enabled myself to become self-consciously aware of who this "I" exactly is, while at the same time also raising questions and better definitions of one self. Self-portraits are used as means to express oneself in the most accurate way possible, and dolls are used as incarnate replicas of one self in this exploration. Self-consciousness is the thematic element frequently visited within my works, and it's not just a mere realistic expression of facial features but using another incarnate version of "me" through the use of dolls as another medium. Different self-portrait approaches on expressing one's inner qualities by notable contemporary artists like Frida Kahlo de Rivera and Cindy Sherman will be used selectively to find correlations and relevance on the time period and social phenomena. Both women were known to be active in the feminist movement, and investigations on their roles and what their notion of western feminism meant will also be looked at. Their artistic concepts and works will be comparatively explored based on the common ground that they all deal with expressing the inner qualities of one self. In addition perspective look on where feminism stands in the mainstream contemporary art and autobiographical self-representation on the works of these two painters will also be discussed. This thesis, as a means of expressing the process of recognizing one's inner being and value as a woman in the modern era will be thoroughly explored. Utilizing the various approaches mentioned above, linking the female sexuality and expression of inner-self through my self-portraits and dolls will firmly establish how fragmented and culturally unstable the female sexuality is expressed through the projected images in our society. Through this research, I intend to establish the significance of the female sexuality and usher in development of women themselves through these understandings and hope to proactively delve into the journey of self-exploration and inaugurate the path as an artist for the future.