Art List Philippines 2019: The Monster
Lucia Fischer's Limited Edition Prints invite viewers to confront and challenge the long-standing villainization of women throughout history. Through her work, she encourages us to raise our awareness by reevaluating the subtle yet oppressive social norms that have contributed to this perception, with the ultimate goal of neutralizing the demonization of women.
At first glance, Fischer's depictions of vibrant bodies may appear alluring, coaxing, and seductive, but upon closer examination, a sense of foreboding emerges. Questions arise: Why is this woman alone? What is she doing in the dark? The longer one gazes, a sense of distrust begins to take hold, whether of the woman depicted or within oneself. Each body possesses a tantalizing glow, much like the lure of an anglerfish or the song of a siren. The artist encourages us to examine the origins of this biased speculation and confront the stereotypes and misconceptions that have shaped our perceptions of women.
The traditional portrayal of powerful, secure women in history and stories has often been limited to the archetypes of the "damsel in distress" or "the villain." Rarely do we see the female as the hero or the independent, and if she is independent, she is often portrayed as evil. From a majority of Disney's and Aesop's Fables Villains to female CEOs of major corporations, the perception has persisted that strong women are either cold, detached from regular society, or ultimately villainous. These artworks aim to shed light on these injustices and continue the dialogue about the neutralization of women.
In addition to promoting female autonomy, each artwork showcases unique and lush indigenous plants found in the Philippines. Fischer believes that the Philippines, in particular, needs a reevaluation of how women are, or should be viewed.
"The Philippines is a beautiful nation, but some narratives remain the same. Even on local television, a woman is always waiting to be rescued and is often oppressed by her mother, stepmother, mother-in-law, or female boss. Men are always portrayed as saviors or helpless in the face of the evil matriarch, and women are pigeonholed into two roles: Cinderella or Villain. It's regressive here at times.
Yes, there are many positive attributes to Filipinos, but a significant issue I've observed, being raised by a Filipino family and living here for several years, is that many topics remain stuck in the Stone Age. Too often have I heard the victim being blamed or independence being negated. Questions and phrases such as "What was she wearing?" or "Was she drunk?" persist, as well as "Diba sabi ko sayo mangyayari ito kung lalabas ka ng gabi?" (Didn't I tell you this would happen if you go out at night?), "She's a Sexetary," "Why aren't you married yet?" and "Do you want to be alone?" I don't mean to generalize, but a majority of the masa think that if a woman doesn't smile, laugh, or desire to be a wife, if she creates "drama," she becomes a suspect and a topic of gossip in local society.
Imagine the shock I receive when I tell people that in other countries, couples live together before getting married, that premarital sex without labeling the woman as a slut is normal, and that there are women who are happy, unwed, young and old, thriving, and without regrets. Their reaction is always "Wehhh'' (a form of "Really?" that suggests sarcastic disbelief). The strong, happy, loved, independent woman is a myth!"
These nude figures aim to reject sexualization through their color patterns, acting in a way that disrupts the objectifying "male gaze," (a topic carried over from Fischer's very first exhibit, "Asexual Adoration.“). Their essence invites appreciation in a manner akin to how one admires a captivating landscape. As the female just sits or stands in their environment, one finally may begin to realize over time that she is indeed alone, enjoying her solitude. That she doesn’t exist for anything other than for herself. That there is no hidden agenda. That she is taking her time for herself, and that she is not a threat, an object for desire, or a damsel waiting to be rescued. She is just she. Lucia Fischer's art transcends mere visuals; it is a powerful call to dismantle stereotypes, redefine norms, and contribute to the ongoing journey toward gender equality and the celebration of being a woman and nothing more.
