Las Animas (1997) by Kiki Smith

Las Animas - Kiki Smith - 1997

Artwork Information

TitleLas Animas
ArtistKiki Smith
Date1997
Art MovementFeminist Art

About Las Animas

The artwork “Las Animas,” created by Kiki Smith in 1997, is a notable work within the Feminist Art movement. The genre of this artwork is photography, and it contributes to the dialogue on themes central to feminist discourse, particularly those concerning the female body and identity.

In observing “Las Animas,” one is confronted with a collection of black-and-white photos assembled into a grid. These photos feature a variety of subjects, including human figures and body parts. Each panel focuses on different elements – one might see a close-up of a hand, a tuft of hair, or parts of a body that are not commonly the focal point in traditional portraiture. This deconstruction and fragmentation of the body could be interpreted as an exploration of identity and the human condition, breaking down corporeality to its basic components.

The central figures in the artwork appear to be female, positioned in emotive states. These figures are not idealized; instead, they showcase a raw and authentic representation of physical form and emotional expression. This intimate portrayal challenges the traditional portrayal of female bodies in art by embracing imperfection and vulnerability.

The surrounding panels that capture different body parts further this narrative by focusing on details that are generally overlooked or considered unappealing. However, by drawing attention to these aspects, Smith seems to be accentuating the beauty and complexity of the human form in its most natural state.

“Las Animas” stands as a compelling commentary on the human experience, dissecting the conventional perceptions of beauty and pushing the boundaries of how femininity and identity are displayed within the realm of art.

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