Identity - Feminist History - Carolee Schneemann

Carolee Schneemann
by: Allison Krenz

Carolee Schneemann's work can best be described as an experience meant to involve the viewer. I was introduced to Schneeman's work through an interview on Artsy.net by Alexxa Gotthardt. In her article, she discusses the inspiration and driving forces behind Schneeman's work. Schneemann refers often to the power of female pleasure, and the relevance it holds in today's political climate. When introduced into the avant-garde scene in the late 60's, Schneemann's work stood out for having been made by a female artist. At the time, most of her contemporaries were men, who more often than not, objectified the female body. Schneemann overcomes this stereotype within her genre of work not by rejecting the notion that women have sexual power, whether it be in reproduction or otherwise, but by embracing it. In one quote from her interview she states: "“When I was young, living in the country, the biggest compliment I could get was a  boy saying, ‘When we grow up, will you breed my babies?’” Schneemann recalls. “I think that idea—that women have the power to procreate—still underlies the need to control and possess by male culture.” 

Film still from "Fuses" 1965, 16mm film, 18 min

One of her film media based pieces "Fuses" embraces just this. Through careful attention to gaze, and cut away scenes to place the  a couple (which is herself and her then partner) in a place of intimacy, rather than focusing on the action of having sexual intercourse, she transcends pornography and creates an artistic experience in which the viewer can relate to. Schneemann very carefully avoids the kind of criticism that other feminist artists have received by shifting away from the male gaze and instead inviting one into her own gaze. 

To call Schneemann a photographer or videographer, even in regards to her media that categorizes itself as such, is far too limiting. Carolee Schneemann expertly puts herself into her work and makes everything about the act, or performance. 

If one wanted more information on Carolee Schneemann, her website would be an excellent place to find links to more of her work, but the website itself could use an injection of her own raw aesthetic.