The Second Annual Art History Graduate Symposium will explore how past and present expressions of gender though objects illuminates the intersections between material and gendered self-image. Whether these are the objects we make, alter, or surround ourselves with, they still serve to act as reflections of the gendered self. Some of these reflections we wish the world to see and identify, others we wish to remain hidden. Nonetheless, those hidden elements can still act as subtle signals to a broader audience across space and time. Exploring past materials through fresh eyes can continually open new doors to decoding the inner, private – or not so private - gendered elements of the makers, and users. Thus, the exploration of materiality can add a wealth of nuances to the world of the past, as well as the one we view today.

Witnessing and identifying the hidden iconography within materials has been a traditional concern in Art History. However, current events have pressed issues of gender into the limelight. Wishing to support efforts of inclusion, we are hosting a symposium to highlight novel approaches to studying gender through material culture.

Speakers

Margaret Culuris-Harp, “Hebrew Cup and Masculinity”

em irvin, “Border Sounds: Speculative Explorations of Dunting and Pinging in Ceramics”

Allison Nakazawa, “Michelangelo’s ‘David:’ The Fig Leaf as Twofold Censorship of Sex and Sexuality”

Kayetana Klinghoffer, “Gendering the Olmec”

Avital Meshi, “Gender Fluidity Through the Lens of Artificial Intelligence”

Michael Yonan, Professor in Art History and Alan Templeton Endowed Chair History of European Art, 1600-1830, will introduce the symposium.

April 5, 2024, 12-5pm in Della Davidson Nelson Hall

Sponsored by the art history M.A. program in the Department of Art and Art History, UC Davis.