In this class we used the ideological definition of orientalism and discussed a number of orientalist paintings. The ideological definition of orientalism is:
Work about a defined "other" in terms of subject matter or technique, for instance painting about a different culture than your own.
It must speak about a distinction between the familiar and the "other"
The work must speak about the other in a way that the familiar is dominant over the other.
After the discussion we were split into groups and had a painting to explore, for my group it was Manet's Olympia
we then sort to answer the following questions in relation to this painting:
1. How has the artist defined the other in this work.
Manet has defined the other in this picture by placing the other culture in a subservient position, the placement of the black cat on the bed, the exotic patterning on the drapery and fabric showed in the painting, and the exotic nature of the slippers warn by the central figure.
2. How does the artist compare the Familiar with the Other?
The Familiar is depicted in a position of comfort and leisure while the other is serving her in providing that comfort.
3. How does the artist demonstrate dominance over the other?
The other is pictured in a position of servitude
4. How does this work compare with the artist's other work?
Throughout the artist's work he often depicts women as objects of desire, however when shown within their own context of the familiar are usually depicted clothed and with a element of dignity.
5. What is the message being visually communicated in the work?
The status and desirability of the subject.
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