From the presentations in week 8, I found the one on Xandra Ibarra most interesting. As explained in the presentation, Xandra, also known as La Chica Boom, is a performance artist based in Oakland, who is most known for her overtly sexual work. When first watching one of Xandra's performance pieces, I was a bit shocked because of how sexual it was. Maybe it is because I do not have an educational background in art or because her message was deeply hidden but I did not understand it until the presenter explained. As explained in class, Xandra's work emphasizes extreme feminine sexuality in an attempt to desexualize stereotypes. I found her images next to the cockroach most interesting because she makes such a strange comparison with such a deep meaning. By laying down next to a cockroach, Xandra is conveying an image that compares her body to that of a cockroach. Xandra explains that like the body of a cockroach, her body is a shell by which she is judged and stereotyped. No matter how hard she tries, she will never be able to shed her shell and inhabit a more beneficial one. Also, Xandra explains that although this body of hers is subject to criticism, it is resilient, like that of a cockroach. Once the presenter explained the meanings behind Xandra's work, I was able to appreciate it more. However, I do feel that her work may not be as popular with those who are more conservative.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Presentations 2: Sandra Ibarra
From the presentations in week 8, I found the one on Xandra Ibarra most interesting. As explained in the presentation, Xandra, also known as La Chica Boom, is a performance artist based in Oakland, who is most known for her overtly sexual work. When first watching one of Xandra's performance pieces, I was a bit shocked because of how sexual it was. Maybe it is because I do not have an educational background in art or because her message was deeply hidden but I did not understand it until the presenter explained. As explained in class, Xandra's work emphasizes extreme feminine sexuality in an attempt to desexualize stereotypes. I found her images next to the cockroach most interesting because she makes such a strange comparison with such a deep meaning. By laying down next to a cockroach, Xandra is conveying an image that compares her body to that of a cockroach. Xandra explains that like the body of a cockroach, her body is a shell by which she is judged and stereotyped. No matter how hard she tries, she will never be able to shed her shell and inhabit a more beneficial one. Also, Xandra explains that although this body of hers is subject to criticism, it is resilient, like that of a cockroach. Once the presenter explained the meanings behind Xandra's work, I was able to appreciate it more. However, I do feel that her work may not be as popular with those who are more conservative.
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I found this artist to be very interesting as well! I really enjoyed the presentation style. I liked how the presenter showed us the video on her performance work because it really grabbed my attention at first, mainly because I had no idea how to take it all in. I was also a little confused at first, but once the presentation was being made it all made sense. I think what stood out to me the most from this presentation was definitely the style and content. For the cockroach piece we were shown, at first glance, I don't think I would have been able to depict and really interpret Ibarra’a message, if it weren't for the explanation. Overall I think the presenter did a really good job in introducing this artist and showing her work by explaining it and showing the class this different form of art that we haven't really seen so far with the presentations.
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