Weekly 3- Samantha Castro

Untitled, Samantha Castro, 2024

 Ways of Seeing John Berger

“And so she comes to consider the surveyor and the surveyed within her as the two constituents yet always distinct elements of her identity as a woman”

This quote I thought was interesting as it speaks to the societal pressures on women to be aware of how they are perceived, creating a split in their self-awareness. That there is created duality that shapes their sense of identity, where women constantly see themselves through the eyes of others, particularly men.

“Women are depicted in a quite different way from men not because the feminine is different way from the masculine but because the ‘ideal’ spectator is always assumed to be male and the image of woman is designed to flatter him.”

This quote reveals how women's depictions in art are shaped by a male perspective. It’s frustrating to think that these images aren't about expressing women’s true identities, but are designed to cater to male desires. Creating a distorted, one-sided view of women that reinforces outdated gender roles and objectification.

Ana Mendieta: Artist Who Pushed Boundaries

“The making of my ‘Silueta’ in nature keeps the transition between my homeland and my new home,” she once said. “It is a way of reclaiming my roots and becoming one with nature. Although the culture in which I live is part of me, my roots and cultural identity are a result of my Cuban heritage.”

Ana Mendieta’s words show the emotional power of her art. It’s moving how she used her "Silueta" series to bridge the gap between her Cuban heritage and her life in a new place. You can feel her longing for connection, not just with her homeland but with nature itself. Her work becomes a personal and powerful act of self-expression and cultural survival.

Female Gaze: Art that Looks at What Women See

“But she did concede: “The female artists’ gaze is shaped by their lived experiences, which are different for women and men.”

 

It’s validating to hear that the female gaze matters because it reflects perspectives and emotions that differ from men’s. This recognition feels empowering, like our experiences are being valued and brought to the forefront, instead of being filtered through the male gaze.