Hirsute bodies: the reclamation of the feminine in contemporary South African art

This dissertation investigates the presence and the significance of hair in the work of contemporary South African artists Penny Siopis, Tracey Rose and Nandipha Mntambo. The use of this material, a substance embedded in the body and characterizing its appearance, is indicative of a desire to validate the material body and reclaim its connection with the feminine. The author argues for a return to the theories of the French Feminists, Helene Cixous, Luce lrigaray and Julia Kristeva, who were the initial proponents of the idea of l 'ecriture feminine (feminine writing). The feminine text, which enjoyed currency in the seventies, is again relevant for the analysis of these artists' work in light of their calculated use of hair to both explore and exploit the position of the feminine. The author contrasts the French Feminists' use of strategic essentialism with Judith

Grantor

Department of Historical Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• McIntosh, Tavish

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• van der Watt, Liese

• Historical Studies

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/38292

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/38292