The artwork titled “Woman on Pyre,” created by Kiki Smith in 2001, is a notable piece within the feminist art movement. This sculpture distinctly portrays a female figure seated on what appears to be a pyre, symbolizing themes pertinent to feminist narratives.
In the artwork, one can observe a female figure, rendered in a naturalistic style, positioned in a kneeling posture atop a structure reminiscent of a pyre fashioned from wood. The figure’s arms are outstretched, possibly conveying a sense of openness or surrender. The texture and form of the sculpture suggest a meticulous attention to anatomical detail, emphasizing the human aspect of the piece. The choice of material and the textured surface contribute to the visceral impact of the artwork. The pyre itself is comprised of stacked, angular pieces of wood, offering a contrasting rigidity to the human form above. This evocative piece captures a moment of emotional and symbolic intensity, reflective of broader themes explored in feminist art.