LOUISE BOURGEOIS (1911 – 2010)
“Everywhere in the modern world there is neglect, the need to be recognized, which is not satisfied. Art is a way of recognizing oneself, which is why it will always be modern.” -Louise Bourgeois
Sexuality is undoubtedly one of the most important themes of Louise Bourgeois’ work. The link between sexuality and fragility or insecurity is also powerful. One might argue that this stems from her childhood memories and her father’s affairs.
Bourgeois is fluid with her subject matter, in terms of creating symbolic male or female representations. Indicating that Bourgeois is not creating these works
to gain a sexual pleasure, or to fulfil sexual desires, but that these works hold personal
narratives from her memories and her life.
Bourgeois plays with the ideas of sexual fragility
and insecurity with the use of fetish shapes and materials, which represent specific
sections of the male and female body, a powerful combination visible in modern
society.
KAYLEIGH ADAMS 