Orientalism

History of photography

Mon & Wed 1-2:50

02/09/05

Western Artists!

Orientalism is one of those words that makes you ask your self many questions. What is it? Where did Orientalism come from? What value can we derive from it? Orientalism is a historical art term applied to the category of subject matter referring to the depiction of the Near East by Western artists especially in the 19th century. The work must have some suggestion at topographic or ethnographic accuracy.

Now knowing what Orientalism is, we are reminded that we see a lot of it on television and in magazines. When I was shown what Orientalism was, I did some research on the different Western artifacts and came across an image entitled "Europe supported by Africa and America" by William Blake circa 1777.

Looking at this illustration I can see that it offers colonial dialogue. A common belief that can be derived from this illustration is that it is about slavery. Is it or can it be thought of as culture or maybe even equality? I personally would say all because that is what I see when I stare at it. Does the artist want to see our interpretation of the illustration as one of survival? Can one believe that the illustration is very powerful because of the fact that one can see history, revolution, break of segregation, self-encounter or even just as art? Can it also be a reflection of Blake's abolitionist perspective?

What is definitely seen in this illustration? Is it the bright gold bans, which are symbols of enslavement in African and American society? Can we see how each woman is connected to one's hand or body and how the fabric drapes across all three women? This can symbolize the links of the three continents and / or the relationship between them. One source David Hart wrote is "the independantness shows through the linking of the arms among the three women and the braid which perhaps represents tobacco and bonds them together. His (Blake's) engraving permits the image that without Africa and America is in this cycle." I feel that the women have a bonding friendship because of their contra postro pose. Also the women have inviting expressions of their faces. Or is it a feeling of lust for one another?

In comparing for instance, let's say instead of using the three women; let's use three girls would the illustration still be powerful? Would people look at the image and get the same concept as with the women? The fact that the girls are naked and young even if their lower female area is covered, as with the original illustration, some would fight it saying that it is a pedophile act because of today's