6.5 Intersectionality
8 min read•august 21, 2024
Intersectionality emerged as a critical framework in late 20th century art, challenging single-axis approaches to discrimination. It revolutionized postwar art discourse by highlighting the interconnected nature of social identities and encouraging more nuanced representations of complex experiences.
coined the term in 1989, building on earlier work by Black feminist scholars. The concept analyzes how different forms of intersect and reinforce each other, calling for more holistic approaches to understanding social inequality in art and society.
Origins of intersectionality
- Emerged as a critical framework in the late 20th century to address complex social inequalities
- Challenges traditional single-axis approaches to understanding discrimination and oppression
- Revolutionized postwar art discourse by highlighting the interconnected nature of social identities
Kimberlé Crenshaw's foundational work
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Kimberlé Crenshaw | Foto: Mohamed Badarne, CC-BY-SA-4.0 | Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung | Flickr View original
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Kimberlé Crenshaw | Foto: Mohamed Badarne, CC-BY-SA-4.0 | Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung | Flickr View original
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Top images from around the web for Kimberlé Crenshaw's foundational work
Kimberlé Crenshaw | Foto: Mohamed Badarne, CC-BY-SA-4.0 | Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung | Flickr View original
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Kimberlé Crenshaw | Foto: Mohamed Badarne, CC-BY-SA-4.0 | Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung | Flickr View original
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Kimberlé Crenshaw | Foto: Mohamed Badarne, CC-BY-SA-4.0 | Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung | Flickr View original
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- Coined the term "intersectionality" in 1989 to describe overlapping systems of oppression
- Analyzed how intersect in shaping Black women's experiences of discrimination
- Applied intersectional analysis to legal cases involving employment discrimination
- Expanded the concept to include other social categories (class, sexuality, disability)
Roots in black feminism
- Draws on earlier work by Black feminist scholars and activists ()
- Addresses the of Black women within both feminist and anti-racist movements
- Emphasizes the importance of lived experiences in understanding complex social realities
- Influenced by writers like and who explored multiple forms of oppression
Critique of single-axis thinking
- Challenges the tendency to focus on one form of oppression at a time (race or gender)
- Argues that single-axis approaches fail to capture the complexity of marginalized experiences
- Demonstrates how different forms of discrimination interact and reinforce each other
- Calls for more nuanced and holistic approaches to understanding social inequality
Key concepts in intersectionality
- Provides a framework for analyzing complex social identities and power dynamics
- Emphasizes the interconnected nature of social categorizations and systems of oppression
- Influences postwar art by encouraging more nuanced representations of identity and experience
Multiple intersecting identities
- Recognizes that individuals possess multiple social identities simultaneously (race, gender, class)
- Explores how these identities interact to shape unique lived experiences
- Analyzes how different combinations of identities can lead to varying forms of or oppression
- Challenges simplistic categorizations and stereotypes in artistic representation
Power structures and oppression
- Examines how societal power structures create and maintain systems of inequality
- Analyzes the ways in which different forms of oppression intersect and reinforce each other
- Considers how institutional policies and practices perpetuate discrimination
- Explores how artists can challenge and subvert dominant power structures through their work
Systemic discrimination vs individual bias
- Distinguishes between individual prejudices and broader systemic forms of discrimination
- Analyzes how institutional policies and practices can perpetuate inequality even without intentional bias
- Examines the role of cultural norms and societal expectations in shaping discriminatory practices
- Explores how artists can address both individual and systemic forms of oppression in their work
Intersectionality in art practice
- Encourages artists to explore complex identities and experiences in their work
- Challenges traditional artistic canons and representations of marginalized groups
- Influences postwar art by promoting more diverse and inclusive artistic practices
Representation of marginalized identities
- Focuses on depicting intersecting identities that have been historically underrepresented in art
- Explores the nuances and complexities of lived experiences shaped by multiple social categories
- Challenges stereotypical or one-dimensional portrayals of marginalized groups
- Uses various artistic mediums to convey the multifaceted nature of identity (photography, sculpture)
Challenging dominant narratives
- Subverts traditional artistic conventions and themes that reinforce oppressive power structures
- Reframes historical events and cultural narratives from intersectional perspectives
- Creates alternative visual languages to express marginalized experiences and viewpoints
- Encourages viewers to question their own assumptions and biases about identity and representation
Intersectional feminist art movements
- Emerged in response to the limitations of earlier feminist art movements
- Addresses the diverse experiences of women across different racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Incorporates themes of intersectionality into artistic practices and subject matter
- Promotes collaboration and solidarity among artists from diverse backgrounds
Visual strategies for intersectionality
- Develops innovative techniques to represent complex identities and experiences visually
- Challenges traditional artistic conventions and modes of representation
- Influences postwar art by expanding the visual vocabulary for addressing social issues
Layering and juxtaposition techniques
- Uses overlapping images or materials to represent intersecting identities and experiences
- Combines contrasting visual elements to highlight tensions between different aspects of identity
- Employs collage and montage techniques to create complex, multifaceted representations
- Explores the use of transparency and opacity to convey the visibility and invisibility of certain identities
Symbolism and iconography
- Develops new visual symbols to represent intersectional identities and experiences
- Reinterprets traditional symbols and iconography from diverse cultural perspectives
- Uses color symbolism to convey complex meanings related to identity and oppression
- Creates visual metaphors that capture the nuances of intersectional experiences
Mixed media and hybrid forms
- Combines different artistic mediums to represent the complexity of intersectional identities
- Experiments with interdisciplinary approaches that blur boundaries between art forms
- Incorporates digital technologies to create interactive or immersive intersectional experiences
- Explores the use of found objects and everyday materials to connect art with lived experiences
Notable intersectional artists
- Represent diverse voices and perspectives in the postwar art world
- Challenge traditional artistic canons and modes of representation
- Influence contemporary art discourse by addressing complex social issues through their work
Kara Walker's silhouettes
- Creates large-scale silhouette installations that explore race, gender, and power in American history
- Uses the traditionally genteel medium of silhouettes to depict violent and disturbing scenes
- Addresses the intersections of race and gender in the context of slavery and its ongoing legacy
- Challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about racism and sexism in American culture
Zanele Muholi's photography
- Documents and celebrates LGBTQ+ communities in South Africa through powerful portrait photography
- Explores the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and national identity in post-apartheid society
- Uses self-portraiture to challenge stereotypes and assert agency over their own representation
- Addresses issues of violence and discrimination against Black LGBTQ+ individuals in their work
Mickalene Thomas's mixed media
- Creates vibrant, textured paintings and collages that celebrate Black female beauty and sexuality
- Incorporates rhinestones, acrylic, and enamel to create richly layered and visually striking works
- Explores the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in representations of Black women
- Reinterprets art historical traditions through an intersectional lens, challenging the Western canon
Intersectionality in art institutions
- Examines how intersectionality impacts the structure and practices of art institutions
- Challenges traditional hierarchies and exclusionary practices in the art world
- Influences postwar art discourse by promoting more inclusive and diverse institutional approaches
Diversity in museum collections
- Addresses the historical underrepresentation of artists from marginalized groups in major collections
- Implements acquisition strategies that prioritize works by artists with diverse intersectional identities
- Reexamines existing collections through an intersectional lens to uncover hidden narratives
- Develops new approaches to displaying and interpreting artworks that highlight intersectional themes
Curatorial practices and inclusion
- Promotes diverse curatorial teams that bring multiple perspectives to exhibition planning
- Develops exhibition themes and concepts that explore intersectional issues and experiences
- Implements inclusive labeling and interpretive strategies that acknowledge multiple viewpoints
- Engages with community stakeholders to ensure representation of diverse voices in curatorial decisions
Art education and intersectional pedagogy
- Incorporates intersectional frameworks into art history curricula and teaching methodologies
- Develops educational programs that highlight the work of artists from diverse backgrounds
- Encourages students to explore their own intersectional identities through art-making practices
- Provides professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their understanding of intersectionality
Critiques and controversies
- Examines ongoing debates and challenges surrounding the application of intersectionality in art
- Addresses criticisms and limitations of intersectional approaches in artistic practice and theory
- Influences postwar art discourse by encouraging critical reflection on the concept's implications
Accusations of divisiveness
- Addresses concerns that intersectional approaches may fragment social movements and artistic communities
- Examines arguments that emphasizing differences can undermine solidarity and collective action
- Explores how artists navigate tensions between highlighting specific identities and creating universal appeal
- Considers strategies for using intersectionality to build coalitions and foster dialogue across differences
Complexity vs accessibility
- Examines the challenge of communicating intersectional concepts through art without oversimplification
- Explores tensions between creating intellectually rigorous work and reaching broader audiences
- Considers how artists can balance complexity with accessibility in their representations of intersectionality
- Addresses criticisms that intersectional art may be too academic or esoteric for general audiences
Intersectionality vs universalism
- Examines debates between proponents of intersectional approaches and those advocating for universal themes
- Explores tensions between highlighting specific identities and creating art with broad, universal appeal
- Considers how artists can address both particular experiences and shared human conditions in their work
- Addresses criticisms that intersectional approaches may limit artistic expression or reinforce identity categories
Impact on postwar art discourse
- Examines how intersectionality has reshaped critical discussions and theoretical frameworks in art
- Explores the influence of intersectional thinking on artistic practices and institutional structures
- Considers the long-term implications of intersectionality for the development of postwar art
Reframing art historical narratives
- Challenges traditional, Eurocentric art historical narratives that marginalize diverse perspectives
- Encourages the reexamination of canonical works through intersectional lenses
- Promotes the recovery and reevaluation of overlooked artists and art movements
- Develops new methodologies for analyzing and interpreting art that account for multiple identities
Expanding the artistic canon
- Advocates for the inclusion of artists from diverse backgrounds in the art historical canon
- Challenges traditional criteria for artistic value and significance
- Promotes the recognition of alternative art forms and practices that reflect intersectional experiences
- Encourages the development of new art historical frameworks that embrace global and diverse perspectives
Intersectionality in art criticism
- Develops new critical approaches that consider multiple dimensions of identity and power
- Challenges traditional aesthetic criteria and evaluative frameworks in art criticism
- Promotes the inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives in art writing and criticism
- Examines how intersectional analysis can reveal new meanings and interpretations in artworks
Future directions
- Explores emerging trends and potential developments in intersectional approaches to art
- Considers how technological advancements and global shifts may impact intersectional art practices
- Examines the future role of intersectionality in shaping postwar art discourse and institutions
Intersectionality and digital art
- Explores how digital technologies can be used to create interactive intersectional art experiences
- Examines the potential of virtual and augmented reality to represent complex intersectional identities
- Considers how social media and online platforms can amplify intersectional artistic voices
- Addresses challenges and opportunities presented by the digital divide in accessing and creating art
Global perspectives on intersectionality
- Examines how intersectionality is understood and applied in diverse cultural contexts
- Explores the potential for cross-cultural dialogue and exchange through intersectional art practices
- Considers how globalization impacts the representation of intersectional identities in art
- Addresses the challenges of translating intersectional concepts across different linguistic and cultural frameworks
Intersectionality in public art
- Explores how intersectional approaches can be applied to public art projects and urban interventions
- Examines the potential for public art to raise awareness about intersectional issues and experiences
- Considers how intersectional perspectives can inform the design and placement of public artworks
- Addresses challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive and representative public art spaces
Key Terms to Review (23)
Audre Lorde: Audre Lorde was a celebrated American writer, feminist, womanist, librarian, and civil rights activist known for her profound contributions to literature and social justice. She passionately explored themes of identity, intersectionality, and the complexities of race, gender, and sexuality, emphasizing the importance of recognizing how these identities intersect to impact individuals' experiences. Lorde's work challenges traditional norms and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of feminism that embraces diversity.
Bell hooks: bell hooks is a prominent feminist theorist, cultural critic, and author known for her influential works that examine the intersections of race, gender, and class in society. Her writings encourage a deeper understanding of how these intersecting identities shape personal experiences and social structures, promoting a more inclusive approach to feminism that acknowledges the complexities of identity.
Black arts movement: The black arts movement was a cultural and artistic movement in the 1960s and 1970s that aimed to redefine African American identity and promote political consciousness through literature, visual arts, and performance. This movement sought to celebrate black culture, address social injustices, and empower African Americans by highlighting their unique experiences and perspectives, making it a pivotal force in the development of identity politics and intersectional discourse.
Chicano Art: Chicano art refers to the artistic expressions that emerge from the Mexican-American community, particularly in the United States, blending traditional Mexican culture with contemporary issues such as identity, politics, and social justice. This art form serves as a powerful vehicle for cultural expression and political commentary, often addressing themes like immigration, civil rights, and the complexities of life in a bicultural society.
Combahee River Collective: The Combahee River Collective was a Black feminist group founded in 1974 in Boston, known for its focus on the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality. The collective aimed to address the unique challenges faced by Black women and advocated for a liberation that embraced the complexity of their identities, emphasizing the importance of understanding how different forms of oppression intersect and affect marginalized groups.
Critical race theory: Critical race theory is an intellectual movement and framework that examines the ways in which race and racism intersect with other forms of social stratification and injustice. It argues that racism is not just an individual problem but a systemic issue embedded within laws, policies, and social structures, influencing how society perceives and responds to race. This perspective encourages a deeper understanding of how race shapes experiences and identities in relation to other factors like colonial histories and intersecting identities.
Cultural Hybridity: Cultural hybridity refers to the blending and mixing of different cultural elements, resulting in new, hybrid forms of expression and identity. This concept emphasizes the fluid nature of culture and highlights how traditions can evolve when diverse influences interact. It connects deeply with themes such as pluralism, the reinterpretation of primitivism, the effects of diaspora and migration, and the complexities of intersectionality.
Identity politics: Identity politics refers to the political positions and movements that are based on the interests and perspectives of specific social groups, often categorized by race, gender, sexuality, or other identity markers. This approach emphasizes the importance of these identities in shaping individuals' experiences and social realities, and it seeks to empower marginalized communities by advocating for their rights and representation. It connects deeply to broader themes like pluralism, non-Western art movements, and intersectionality, all of which explore the complexities of multiple identities and the intersections between them.
Inclusivity: Inclusivity refers to the practice of creating environments that welcome and support diverse individuals and groups, ensuring that everyone has equal access to participation and representation. This concept is essential in art and culture as it emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing varied perspectives, experiences, and identities. Inclusivity fosters collaboration and understanding among different communities, helping to dismantle barriers that have historically excluded marginalized voices.
Intersectional feminism: Intersectional feminism is a framework that recognizes how various forms of social stratification, such as race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and other identity markers, intersect and impact individuals' experiences of oppression and privilege. This approach emphasizes that the feminist movement cannot address gender inequality without considering these overlapping identities, as they shape unique experiences and challenges faced by different groups of women.
Kara Walker: Kara Walker is an acclaimed American artist known for her powerful and provocative works that explore themes of race, gender, and history, often through the use of silhouetted figures and intricate installations. Her art confronts the legacy of racism and stereotypes in American culture, making her a significant figure in discussions about identity, representation, and the critique of dominant narratives.
Kimberlé Crenshaw: Kimberlé Crenshaw is a legal scholar and critical race theorist best known for introducing the concept of intersectionality, which examines how various forms of social stratification, such as race, gender, and class, intersect and create overlapping systems of discrimination and disadvantage. Her work emphasizes that individuals may experience multiple dimensions of oppression simultaneously, affecting their lived experiences and access to justice.
Marginalization: Marginalization is the process through which certain individuals or groups are pushed to the edges of society, limiting their access to resources, opportunities, and rights. This often happens based on factors such as race, gender, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, leading to systemic inequalities and exclusion. The concept of marginalization is closely tied to intersectionality, as it highlights how different identities can intersect to compound disadvantages experienced by individuals or groups.
Mickalene Thomas: Mickalene Thomas is a contemporary American artist known for her elaborate, vibrant works that explore themes of identity, femininity, and race, often blending painting, collage, and photography. Her art uniquely examines the intersection of these themes through a lens of intersectionality, often featuring powerful representations of Black women that challenge traditional portrayals in art history.
Multidimensional identity: Multidimensional identity refers to the complex and layered nature of an individual's identity, shaped by various social, cultural, and personal factors. This concept highlights how different aspects of identity—such as race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability—intersect and influence a person's experiences and perceptions in society. Understanding multidimensional identity is crucial for recognizing the diverse realities individuals face, particularly within discussions of privilege and oppression.
Oppression: Oppression is the systemic and pervasive exercise of power that subjugates and marginalizes certain groups, often through social, political, or economic means. It manifests in various forms such as discrimination, inequality, and violence, contributing to a cycle of disadvantage for those affected. Understanding oppression involves recognizing the complex interplay of identity factors that can compound experiences of marginalization.
Postcolonial theory: Postcolonial theory is an analytical framework that examines the cultural, political, and social legacies of colonialism and imperialism, focusing on how these histories shape contemporary identities and power dynamics. It emphasizes the perspectives of those who were colonized and critiques the ongoing effects of colonial narratives in literature, art, and politics. This theory is crucial for understanding issues such as identity formation, cultural exchange, and the complexities of power relations in a globalized world.
Privilege: Privilege refers to the unearned advantages or benefits that individuals or groups receive based on their social identities, such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or ability. These advantages often operate at an unconscious level, meaning that those who have privilege may not even realize it, while those without it face systemic barriers and discrimination in various aspects of life.
Queer identity: Queer identity refers to a diverse spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities that challenge traditional norms. It encompasses individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who reject the binary concepts of gender and sexuality, embracing a fluid understanding of self. This term also emphasizes the importance of intersectionality, as queer identity can intersect with various aspects such as race, class, and disability, highlighting the unique experiences faced by individuals at these intersections.
Race and Gender: Race and gender are social constructs that categorize individuals based on physical characteristics and societal roles, significantly influencing experiences of identity, power dynamics, and societal expectations. These constructs intersect to shape unique experiences and oppressions faced by individuals, highlighting the importance of understanding how different identities interact within various contexts.
Radical women: Radical women refers to activists and artists who challenge traditional gender roles and societal norms, particularly through feminist and intersectional lenses. These women advocate for systemic change by highlighting how race, class, sexuality, and other identities intersect to affect their experiences and struggles. Their work aims to create awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of oppression faced by marginalized groups.
The other side: ways of being: The phrase 'the other side: ways of being' refers to the exploration of different identities, experiences, and perspectives that exist beyond dominant cultural narratives. It highlights the importance of understanding how various factors such as race, gender, class, and sexuality intersect to shape individual and collective experiences in society. This concept encourages an examination of marginalized voices and alternative ways of living that challenge mainstream viewpoints.
Zanele Muholi: Zanele Muholi is a South African visual activist and photographer known for her compelling work that highlights the experiences of black LGBTQ+ individuals in South Africa. By combining personal narratives with social commentary, Muholi's art addresses themes of identity, gender, sexuality, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities, making her a significant figure in the discourse surrounding intersectionality.