Misogyny as Art?
While browsing the Salon recently, I came across an article detailing a new wedding industry trend. My opinions of the phenomenon are muted; I tend to think most wedding practices are inane, and this is no different. However, the article did introduce me to a site with content that provoked a more vibrant reaction.
Behold, the art of John Michael Cooper, the "Godfather of Trashing". 
How gritty! How precocious! How cutting-edge!
Oh, wait. No, it's not. In actuality, there is a very basic, centuries-old pattern in these photos: each depicts a woman in the midst or aftermath of a violent act.
Sadly, many viewers responded to these images with affirmation and praise. Some even described the photos as disturbing and sick, only to call them "great" and "inspiring" in the next sentence. Clearly, when the photo is framed and constructed artistically, the content is irrelevant.
By the time the word "misogynistic" made its way into the comments, Mr. Cooper himself made an appearance.
"misogynistic? - poop, now i have to look that up in the dictionary… the ladies are always try’n to confuse me with the long words.."
After perusing the dictionary, he returned to say:
"Wow, if a conceptual bridal portrait makes one feel so strongly, I’m afraid what a trip to the movies or even a single episode of CSI might do to you..[sic] But once going to dictionary.com and looking up misogynistic I thought I should at least explain a little about the shot so that people don’t think I have a mistrust or a hatred of women. [sic] I’m not misogynistic, I nether hate women or mistrust them, rather I just like to make cool photos and happen to have a little dark side along with being influenced by fashion, art, and tragic romance (ala Shakespeare)."
In essence, he feels the photos are art, nothing more, nothing less. He is not cognizant of the implications. He is not concerned with the degradation and violence women face worldwide, every day. He concludes that, because violence is depicted on CSI, a fictional crime show that sensationalizes all forms of violence towards both genders, it must be ok for him to target women in his photography.
Mr. Cooper--ignorance is not an excuse. Digitally setting women on fire, posing brides as a drowning or suicide victims, and snapping photos of a man standing smugly over his wife's corpse is not cute, stylish, or avant garde. Instead, it only helps perpetuate the myth that cruelty towards women is a non-issue, and worthy of ridicule.
Recently, I have twice heard the excuse that "we must accept art for art, no matter the content". I strongly dispute this notion. Art can be inspirational, mystifying, and controversial. Just as it is the artist's right to create, it is also our right to reject their message.
6 comments:
Would you mind if I linked to this post?
Be my guest. : )
Thank you :)
I've met this photographer, watched him teach (and shoot) and seen much of his other work. Many, many, many female photographers have viewed and absolutely admired these pieces. They get it. I don't think you do.
Also, you're assuming the audience for these images is full of idiots, hence the need for you to step up and protect them from it. What makes you qualified?
I'm sorry, the fact that other female photographers endorse his work isn't cause for me to revoke my opinions. Many women support things I don't agree with, and our shared gender does not obligate me to do so.
I should also note that I've spoken with dozens of women who confirm that they feel this work is misogynistic. Obviously, opinions are split on this matter, as is the nature of art.
You are not obligated to agree with me, just as I am not obligated to respect his work. I'm also confused-- at what point did I imply that the audience for these images is 'full of idiots'? It was not my intention to do so.
I realize that I am commenting very late on this article, but I only found it now.
I don't think images like this make people change their beliefs any more than Tom and Jerry will eventually make people choose mice over cats as pets. The struggle of conscience is in your head, not the photographers.
Keep on fighting though, stuff like this doesn't get good google ratings without your help.
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