Compare and contrast Woman with a Large Hat by Kees Van Dongen to Interior Scroll by Carolee Schneemann – An ‘Isms’ Overview

Artistic expression is a reflection of cultural, social, and personal contexts. This analysis aims to compare and contrast two influential works of art: “Woman with a Large Hat” (1906) by Kees Van Dongen and “Interior Scroll” (1975) by Carolee Schneemann. Through examining their respective mediums, subject matter, and historical contexts, we can gain insight into the ways these artists challenged conventions and pushed the boundaries of their art forms.

“Woman with a Large Hat” is a painting created by Kees Van Dongen, a prominent Fauvist painter. The use of bold, vibrant colours, loose brushstrokes, and exaggerated forms characterizes this painting. Van Dongen’s expressive style emphasizes emotional impact over representational accuracy.

In contrast, “Interior Scroll” is a performance piece by Carolee Schneemann, an influential feminist artist. It involves Schneemann pulling a scroll from her vagina and reading from it in front of an audience. The performance challenges societal taboos surrounding female sexuality and the suppression of women’s voices. The use of the female body as a medium of artistic expression is a significant departure from traditional art forms.

“Woman with a Large Hat” depicts a woman wearing a large, elaborate hat. Van Dongen’s use of bold colours and the woman’s enigmatic expression evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue. The hat becomes a metaphorical barrier, concealing the woman’s thoughts and emotions, leaving the viewer to interpret her inner world.

In “Interior Scroll,” Schneemann focuses on the female body as a site of both personal and political struggle. The act of retrieving the scroll from her vagina is symbolic, representing the reclamation of female sexuality and the assertion of the female voice. The text of the scroll challenges traditional narratives and expectations imposed on women, encouraging viewers to question societal norms and explore alternative perspectives.

“Woman with a Large Hat” was created during the Fauvist movement, which emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against traditional art conventions. Fauvist artists sought to liberate colour from its representational function, emphasizing the emotional and expressive power of colour. Van Dongen’s painting reflects this movement’s rejection of naturalistic depictions in favour of vibrant, subjective interpretations of reality.

“Interior Scroll” emerged within the context of second-wave feminism in the 1970s. Schneemann’s performance art challenged patriarchal structures, gender norms, and societal restrictions placed upon women. By using her body in a confrontational manner, she aimed to provoke discussions about the objectification and silencing of women’s experiences.

Despite being created in different time periods and using distinct mediums, both “Woman with a Large Hat” and “Interior Scroll” share a common theme of challenging societal norms. Van Dongen’s painting explores the mysterious nature of identity and the limits of conventional representation, while Schneemann’s performance art challenges gendered expectations and aims to give voice to the silenced. Through their respective artistic endeavours, both artists demonstrate the power of art to provoke, question, and inspire change.