Beauty and the Beast – Can Life Drawing Support Female Students in Challenging Gendered Media Imagery?. (9th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stanhope, Clare
• Is Part Of: International journal of art & design education. Volume 32:Number 3(2013:Oct.)
• Page Start: 352
• Page End: 361
• Publication Date: 2013-10-09
• Subjects: Art -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Design -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 707
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-8070.2013.12030.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-8062

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>How does life drawing impact on a group of 14–16‐year‐old female art and design students and their perception of body image? In contemporary Western society, we are bombarded with advertising, social media and celebrity culture on a daily basis, often with a focus on body image. This article questions whether, due to this visual assault, young female students have a democratic choice in forming a relationship with the body. Alternatively, do they feel pressured into conforming to a media led image? This article analyses the reaction of a group of GCSE fine art students to life drawing and a naked female nude. It questions their perceptions of 'normal' and discusses if art‐based research projects can challenge contemporary issues and young female students' perception of body image.</p> </abstract>