Dissecting The Western Woman Artist; An Artist's Dialogue by Amy E. Fraser
Chapter 12 Brain
Gendered Thought, Female Intellect And Feminine Consciousness
The Final Examination
Because the brain is very soft and easily deformed, it is not manipulated at the time of autopsy. Instead, it is hung up on a string in a large jar of formalin for two weeks. After the brain becomes fixed and has reached the desired firmness and consistency, it is rinsed in running tap water. Thus, the brain is ready for final examination.
Physiological And Cultural Aspects
By a most basic definition, the brain is the major organ of the central nervous system and the control center for all the body's voluntary and involuntary activities. The brain is assumed to be the sole organ responsible for the complexities of thought, memory, emotion and language. A further inventory of the mental features of a normal adult also includes sensation, perception, belief, intention, purpose, recognition of pain and pleasure as well as qualities of the personality and temperament. In adults, this complex organ is a mere 3 pounds in weight and contains over 10 thousand million nerve cells.
There are three primary regions of the brain, the brain-stem, cerebellum and the large cerebrum. In this discussion I will focus on the cerebrum, consisting of the right and left cerebral hemispheres, joined by the corpus callosum. This is the location of most conscious and intelligent activity.
Generally, the left hemisphere of the brain is associated with logical, linear thought. This includes the ability to discriminate one thing from another, categorize and speech. In most people, there is an imbalance in brain activity between the left and right hemispheres, the left generally proving to be the most dominant. The right hemisphere is considered to be more holistic and is responsible for recognizing shapes, images, symbols, maps and signs. Studies indicate that the right brain is responsible for our ability to appreciate art, music and beauty. The right side sees the whole picture, rather than the parts; it formulates similarities and relationships between things, rather than the differences. Many believe that the left hemisphere is the location of the conscious mind and the right hemisphere is the doorway to the unconscious.
Autopsy determined that the subject's brain was the location of consciousness. However, because of Western culture's obsession with separating the mind from the body, it is appropriate to address the mind as an entity in itself as well as a metaphor for gendered thought, female intellect and feminine consciousness. These concepts are approached from a psychological as well as artistic perspective. This investigation addresses the brain in relation to women's issues, cultural conditioning, biology, gender and traditional historic assumptions. This discussion illustrates how sex-based differences in intellectual abilities may be a result of these factors. In addition, the brain is discussed both conceptually and aesthetically. Western cultural perspectives on the brain range from worship, wonder, awe, respect, mystery and myth.
The view through the Sagittal section of the brain reminds me of a pregnant alien creature nesting in a bed of intestines. The image of another being living in our brain is a popular assumption in Western culture. Many mental patients have described voices living in their heads, in fear of their own unwanted thoughts. This shape also looks like a fetus and could be symbolic of the birth of creativity or the pregnant mind of the intellectual.
The notion of a male's intellectual pregnancy has its roots in Greek mythology as depicted in the story of Athena's birth. It was said that Zeus swallowed the goddess of wisdom, Metis, in fear that her first born son would eventually be his demise, like his father and grandfather before him. Soon after, he developed an excruciating headache which was quickly cured by having Hephaestus split open his skull. Out of Zeus' skull sprang Athena, fully grown and attired in a full set of armor. Due to her unique manner of birth, Athena has dominion over all things intellectual. She is also the goddess of justice and defensive war. Athena also presides over the useful and ornamental arts and she is the embodiment of wisdom, reason and purity. Some speculate that Athena had no mother because Metis does not always play a part in the telling of this tale. I feel that Athena's motherless birth is one more example of misogynistic male fantasy as well as man's attempt to control woman's reproductive capabilities. In addition, I believe that the motherless concept negates the value of pregnancy and excludes the possibility of a mother passing on the genes of her intelligence to her daughter.
There are three primary regions of the brain, the brain-stem, cerebellum and the large cerebrum. In this discussion I will focus on the cerebrum, consisting of the right and left cerebral hemispheres, joined by the corpus callosum. This is the location of most conscious and intelligent activity.
Generally, the left hemisphere of the brain is associated with logical, linear thought. This includes the ability to discriminate one thing from another, categorize and speech. In most people, there is an imbalance in brain activity between the left and right hemispheres, the left generally proving to be the most dominant. The right hemisphere is considered to be more holistic and is responsible for recognizing shapes, images, symbols, maps and signs. Studies indicate that the right brain is responsible for our ability to appreciate art, music and beauty. The right side sees the whole picture, rather than the parts; it formulates similarities and relationships between things, rather than the differences. Many believe that the left hemisphere is the location of the conscious mind and the right hemisphere is the doorway to the unconscious.
Autopsy determined that the subject's brain was the location of consciousness. However, because of Western culture's obsession with separating the mind from the body, it is appropriate to address the mind as an entity in itself as well as a metaphor for gendered thought, female intellect and feminine consciousness. These concepts are approached from a psychological as well as artistic perspective. This investigation addresses the brain in relation to women's issues, cultural conditioning, biology, gender and traditional historic assumptions. This discussion illustrates how sex-based differences in intellectual abilities may be a result of these factors. In addition, the brain is discussed both conceptually and aesthetically. Western cultural perspectives on the brain range from worship, wonder, awe, respect, mystery and myth.
Thoughts And Myths Inspired By The Brain's Appearance
The external anatomy of the brain appears as an intricate combination of paths and passages to which there is no exit. The brain looks like a complex network of compartments or perhaps a clump of interlocking gray matter. Each layer is a smooth tube-like channel, intricately woven into a complex, torturous arrangement. Sometimes the brain's exterior reminds me of a pile of worms or serpents to which there are no heads or tails. The brain's image evokes fears of the unknown; it is foreign, yet familiar, ancient and eternal. The image is like clouds or deep sea creatures; things we are aware of but do not get to touch. The power and potential of this organ is not immediately apparent from its physical appearance, as it looks soft, vulnerable and delicate.The view through the Sagittal section of the brain reminds me of a pregnant alien creature nesting in a bed of intestines. The image of another being living in our brain is a popular assumption in Western culture. Many mental patients have described voices living in their heads, in fear of their own unwanted thoughts. This shape also looks like a fetus and could be symbolic of the birth of creativity or the pregnant mind of the intellectual.
The notion of a male's intellectual pregnancy has its roots in Greek mythology as depicted in the story of Athena's birth. It was said that Zeus swallowed the goddess of wisdom, Metis, in fear that her first born son would eventually be his demise, like his father and grandfather before him. Soon after, he developed an excruciating headache which was quickly cured by having Hephaestus split open his skull. Out of Zeus' skull sprang Athena, fully grown and attired in a full set of armor. Due to her unique manner of birth, Athena has dominion over all things intellectual. She is also the goddess of justice and defensive war. Athena also presides over the useful and ornamental arts and she is the embodiment of wisdom, reason and purity. Some speculate that Athena had no mother because Metis does not always play a part in the telling of this tale. I feel that Athena's motherless birth is one more example of misogynistic male fantasy as well as man's attempt to control woman's reproductive capabilities. In addition, I believe that the motherless concept negates the value of pregnancy and excludes the possibility of a mother passing on the genes of her intelligence to her daughter.
The view through the Coronal section of the brain looks like a tree with a thin base and thick, finger-like branches with fat rounded leaves, similar to the cross section of a cauliflower. The natural plant-like image of the brain is comforting for many reasons, mainly because it returns the brain to a more organic, natural state, unlike the common Western conception of the brain as a cold machine or computer. Visualizing it as an organ helps to dispel the Western view of the brain as a separate and superior entity, therefore enabling a level of (human) control within ones embodied existence.
The Significance Of The Brain
I have described the brain's physical appearance in such detail to illustrate the plethora of assumptions and misconceptions that can arise from separating this organ from the whole system of the human body, as one would examine the brain in a jar of formaldehyde. Admittedly, the brain is a highly involved, entangled, multifaceted organ that is both a source of fascination and mystery. In fact, Western culture values this aspect of human anatomy above all others.
However, it is important to keep in mind, that the brain, approximately 2% of the average person's body weight, is only one small part of an integrated whole. It is a very important part of the body, perhaps even the most significant. However, it is useless without the rest of the body. There can be no mind/body separation, without one, there is no reason for the other. The brain would have nothing to know if it were not for the input it receives from its embodied state.
However, it is important to keep in mind, that the brain, approximately 2% of the average person's body weight, is only one small part of an integrated whole. It is a very important part of the body, perhaps even the most significant. However, it is useless without the rest of the body. There can be no mind/body separation, without one, there is no reason for the other. The brain would have nothing to know if it were not for the input it receives from its embodied state.
The Western Mind
In Western culture, the brain is interchangeable with the concept of 'mind'. The mind implies one's intellect, mental capacity, reason, judgment, reflection, comprehension and rationality. The capacity of one's conscious mind includes, memory, retrospection, conceptions, contemplation, opinions, choices and understanding. To be of sound mind, one must have his or her intellectual faculties intact. One must maintain 'mental balance' and behave in a manner that society deems sane. Someone who is of intelligent mind is thoughtful, astute, bright, alert, smart, sensible, informed, wise, perceptive, brilliant, keen, quick, clever, sharp and shrewd. This is a person with intent, purpose, a plan, an aim and an end. The intelligent person displays a quickness of understanding, sound thought and good judgment.
The highly esteemed qualities of the brain have historically assumed to be in the sole possession of Western man. Women, in Western society, have been negatively associated with the body and nature, two realms considered inferior to man. This association implied that woman was a mindless, ignorant, unintelligent, unreasoning, irrational, unobservant and oblivious creature. Unfortunately, when women of the past proved they possessed brain power, information or knowledge, they were accused of being witches, unfeminine or even mentally deranged. However, more commonly, it was assumed that these informative women were parroting back what men told them, without crediting for their native intelligence.
Sexual Difference: Research, Theories and Arguments
Comparing the intellect of the sexes has become increasingly controversial among psychologists. Some discourage this work because they do not accept the responsibility that this issue raises. Psychologist Alice Eagly suggests those in her field researching sexual differences have had to face many political as well as scientific issues [Eagly, P.145 - 158]. Many are afraid the answers will effect the status of women in Western society.
The Egyptians were the first to associate behavior and intelligence with the brain, but it was not until the early 1900's that humans felt the need to measure intelligence. Oddly enough, in that last hundred years, waves of feminism have occurred as women have copied male individuation as a way to fuller person-hood. Women believed they had to prove they were like men in order to obtain a man's status in a patriarchal society.
The Egyptians were the first to associate behavior and intelligence with the brain, but it was not until the early 1900's that humans felt the need to measure intelligence. Oddly enough, in that last hundred years, waves of feminism have occurred as women have copied male individuation as a way to fuller person-hood. Women believed they had to prove they were like men in order to obtain a man's status in a patriarchal society.
In the midst of the 70's feminist movement, research results were published stating that the sexes differed in several aspects of intellectual abilities. These included verbal, quantitative and spatial abilities, as well as aggression. Feminists of the time felt the research methods used to obtain these results were subjective and biased. However, thirty years later, many psychologists maintain that current data, accumulated from modern research methods, still continues to prove most of the originally claimed sex-based differences.
The primary goal of feminist (brain/intelligence) research was to shatter the negative 'mindless' stereotypes of women. Feminists believed they could change attitudes by proving that men and women were essentially equivalent in their personalities, behavior and intellectual abilities. Most feminists tend to believe that gender is essentially a construct and that male and female natures are more or less identical. The goal of the 'sameness' research was to increase women's chances for equal opportunity in Western society. Feminists felt that evidence of intellectual differences might be used to disqualify women from certain roles and opportunities. They also believed this would justify unequal treatment of women under the law. Feminists were afraid that differences would perpetuate the portrayal of women as innately inferior to men.
Modern research results suggest females measure higher in verbal fluency, particularly on tests requiring respondents to produce words or sentences meeting certain requirements of meaning or form as well as on tests of speech production requiring rapid and accurate speech. Women tend to be better than men at rapidly identifying matching items, a skill known as perceptual speed. They are also faster at certain precision manual tasks. Women tend to use landmarks as a strategy to orient themselves in everyday life more often then men. Women are better able to remember whether an item has been displaced and women show a higher accuracy of object location than men. Females, on average, score higher on tasks that require rapid access to and use of phonological and semantic information in long term memory, production and comprehension of complex prose and fine motor skills. Additional research accumulated over the last thirty years has also provided increasing evidence of sexual difference in social behavior and personality.
Some researchers have concluded that women naturally have ambidextrous brains and that this deeper state of consciousness is actually a normal state of the female mind. Recent research shows that the widely accepted advantage women have in discerning thoughts and emotions of others arises in part because women use both hemispheres of the brain to understand emotion, while men rely primarily on the right hemisphere. They discovered that women respond to verbal codes and imagery codes such as verbal imagery and voice tones more accurately than men. This research supports the notion that women see and hear a broader spectrum of data in dealing with relationships.
Studies also indicate that women are more often aware of the possibilities of telepathic communication than most men, and can be considered more pious and more receptive listeners to the rhythms of the cosmos. However, they are often branded irrational and superstitious because of their openness to such phenomenon. Some current research even proves that women are more receptive to mystery and the occult. In addition, the development of psychic abilities may be more natural to a woman's mental structure than to a man's.
In the modern religion of Wicca, the priestess teaches the coven how to obtain the full powers of the brain. A Wiccan coven learns how to utilize both hemispheres of the brain in order to obtain a deeper level of consciousness. This is also practiced in many Eastern religions. Using both halves of the brain allows an individual greater access to a wide range of mental abilities.
There are many contradictory theories and explanations behind brain-based sex differences, but, regardless of the source of one's belief, the fact remains that most studies confirm that differences do exist. Some say the differences may be a result of status, social roles or gender-based expectancies of one's own and others' behavior. Many believe that sex differences are a result of thinly disguised status differences.
There are many contradictory theories and explanations behind brain-based sex differences, but, regardless of the source of one's belief, the fact remains that most studies confirm that differences do exist. Some say the differences may be a result of status, social roles or gender-based expectancies of one's own and others' behavior. Many believe that sex differences are a result of thinly disguised status differences.
The idea of men and women belonging to separate cultures is popular among developmental psychologists, 'difference' feminists and social scientists [Maccoby, P. 513-520]. Psychologists in line with developmental sex difference experts Jacklin and Maccoby believe that children learn rules for social interaction from their childhood experiences in sex segregated peer groups and this learned behavior is applied throughout adulthood, to all societal interaction.
One explanation for the difference in intellectual capabilities is the effect of hormones on the brain. Cognitive patterns may be sensitive to hormonal fluctuation throughout one's life. Studies show that the performance of women on certain tasks changed throughout the menstrual cycle, as levels of estrogen went up or down. These studies also claim that most sex differences in problem solving do not appear until after puberty. High levels of estrogen in women have been associated not only with depressed spatial ability but also with enhanced articulatory and motor capability.
One explanation for the difference in intellectual capabilities is the effect of hormones on the brain. Cognitive patterns may be sensitive to hormonal fluctuation throughout one's life. Studies show that the performance of women on certain tasks changed throughout the menstrual cycle, as levels of estrogen went up or down. These studies also claim that most sex differences in problem solving do not appear until after puberty. High levels of estrogen in women have been associated not only with depressed spatial ability but also with enhanced articulatory and motor capability.
Evolutionary psychologists such as Robert Wright and David Buss argue against the Feminist belief in sameness and the idea that gender is a social construct. In their view, the falseness of this feminist doctrine has become increasingly evident and they feel these feminists refuse to accept facts. Evolutionary psychologists suggest that the female/male behavioral patterns differ in areas which the sexes have faced different adaptive problems [Wright, P.34-46]. It is a fact that our brains are essentially like those of our ancestors of 50,000 years ago. This fact indicates that the significance of these sexual and intellectual differences lies in our ancestral past. This explanation seems probable when comparing the differentiating structure of the female skeleton to that of the male, the distinctive female experience of the menstrual cycle and the basic differences in our reproductive organs [Buss, p.164 - 167].
Evolutionary psychology clearly states, that the differences in intellectual function lies in the patterns of ability, rather than in overall levels of intelligence. Differences in intellectual and cognitive domains tend to be small. Although they believe men and women differ in the ways they solve intellectual problems, neither can be considered inferior or superior to the other; each sex possesses mechanisms designed to deal with it's adaptive challenges. Regardless, feminists feel evolutionary psychology's theories will be used to justify the oppression of women as part of the natural, genetic order [Wright, P.34]. Misinterpreted data could be misused in ways that support a misogynistic agenda. Western culture must accept that differences do not equal deficiencies. Differences do not imply that there is a smarter or better sex.
My Views On Intellectual Sex Difference
I believe if we are aware of our differences we have a better chance of resolving the difficulties and discrimination that arise from them. The struggle against oppression is worthy, practical and necessary. However, this struggle is best conducted with full comprehension of the other side's power and that power's basis in nature.
One solution might be for men and women to seek specific training to improve upon those areas where they are not strong. For example, women who learn about the specific behaviors that mediate male dominance and the factors that cause this behavior may be better prepared to intervene and/or compete in order to produce a more equal distribution of power. For hundreds of years, women have been denigrated and have not valued their knowledge enough to bring it into the level of consciousness. Historically, women were denied a 'civilized' education because tradition and biology combined to ensure that marriage, followed by motherhood, would be their inevitable career path. This tradition continued throughout the ages because women were seen as inferior, mindless beings. Regulation of female behavior was seen as a normal and natural part of daily life throughout most of the old world. Unfortunately, these beliefs still persist. Even today, married mothers are almost universally regarded with more respect than their unmarried career minded sisters. The view that an unmarried woman is a woman who has failed her main role in life is one which is continually expressed by both sexes of many different cultural backgrounds and different historical periods.
I think Western culture has to rethink misconceptions about the inferiority of the female brain. Learning to accept one's embodiment and coming to terms with the mind as one part of the whole being is the right direction. Qualities of the conscious mind that Western culture refers to as the 'brain' or 'mind' are only one small fraction of one's potential for understanding. In fact, one hypothesis widely confirmed, is the proposition that 'consciousness' is an exceptional, rather than a regular attribute of the psychic process. According to psychoanalytic theory, unconscious, instinctual, intuitive, emotional and hormonal activities are of a greater frequency and significance in normal, as well as in abnormal mental functioning. This implies that Western culture, priding itself on the superior nature of the 'mind', has unintelligently disregarded the greater powers of the integrated body.
One solution might be for men and women to seek specific training to improve upon those areas where they are not strong. For example, women who learn about the specific behaviors that mediate male dominance and the factors that cause this behavior may be better prepared to intervene and/or compete in order to produce a more equal distribution of power. For hundreds of years, women have been denigrated and have not valued their knowledge enough to bring it into the level of consciousness. Historically, women were denied a 'civilized' education because tradition and biology combined to ensure that marriage, followed by motherhood, would be their inevitable career path. This tradition continued throughout the ages because women were seen as inferior, mindless beings. Regulation of female behavior was seen as a normal and natural part of daily life throughout most of the old world. Unfortunately, these beliefs still persist. Even today, married mothers are almost universally regarded with more respect than their unmarried career minded sisters. The view that an unmarried woman is a woman who has failed her main role in life is one which is continually expressed by both sexes of many different cultural backgrounds and different historical periods.
I think Western culture has to rethink misconceptions about the inferiority of the female brain. Learning to accept one's embodiment and coming to terms with the mind as one part of the whole being is the right direction. Qualities of the conscious mind that Western culture refers to as the 'brain' or 'mind' are only one small fraction of one's potential for understanding. In fact, one hypothesis widely confirmed, is the proposition that 'consciousness' is an exceptional, rather than a regular attribute of the psychic process. According to psychoanalytic theory, unconscious, instinctual, intuitive, emotional and hormonal activities are of a greater frequency and significance in normal, as well as in abnormal mental functioning. This implies that Western culture, priding itself on the superior nature of the 'mind', has unintelligently disregarded the greater powers of the integrated body.
The Conscious Mind
Some define conscious thought simply as the first hesitation between an impulse or an action. Motor control, perception and memory can all affect conscious thought. In the conscious state, we are able to suppress all that is displeasing, distasteful and unadmirable. The consciousness is the realm of the goddess Athena, exhibiting the qualities of morals and judgment. Here we have an awareness of alternative courses and we see clearly the possibilities of choice with wisdom, justice, reason and purity.
However, similar to the appearance of the brain's maze-like structure, both male and female consciousness has the ability to produce a complex and confusing state. Our consciousness is that voice in our heads that consistently monitors our behavior and comments on our performance in everyday life. It is the voice that hums the latest song on the radio, the one that ridicules us for cheating on our diets and it harangues us for making idiots of ourselves and others. In general, our conscious mind tries to prevent us from embarrassment and humiliation. Our conscious mind is extremely judgmental. It is suspicious, doubtful and full of unanswerable questions. The conscious mind acts as protector, parent and guardian. It causes us to feel guilt and shame. The conscious mind asks the questions of what if, why, who, when and where. It causes us to imagine what others are thinking and feeling.
The conscious mind prevents us from action, invokes insecurities, stresses and worry. Sometimes it becomes paranoid, critical, accusing ourselves and others with incessant questioning and second guessing. The conscious mind has the ability to ground us in reality, but, all too frequently, emotions, hormones, and external forces distort this reality.
However, similar to the appearance of the brain's maze-like structure, both male and female consciousness has the ability to produce a complex and confusing state. Our consciousness is that voice in our heads that consistently monitors our behavior and comments on our performance in everyday life. It is the voice that hums the latest song on the radio, the one that ridicules us for cheating on our diets and it harangues us for making idiots of ourselves and others. In general, our conscious mind tries to prevent us from embarrassment and humiliation. Our conscious mind is extremely judgmental. It is suspicious, doubtful and full of unanswerable questions. The conscious mind acts as protector, parent and guardian. It causes us to feel guilt and shame. The conscious mind asks the questions of what if, why, who, when and where. It causes us to imagine what others are thinking and feeling.
The conscious mind prevents us from action, invokes insecurities, stresses and worry. Sometimes it becomes paranoid, critical, accusing ourselves and others with incessant questioning and second guessing. The conscious mind has the ability to ground us in reality, but, all too frequently, emotions, hormones, and external forces distort this reality.
Genius Or Madness?
Maybe it is this confusion that is the fine line between what Western culture defines as genius or madness. Does the cultural definition depend on the sex it is defining? I think so.
Many believe that the label of madness is the price women artists must pay for the exercise of their creativity in a male dominated culture. Others say that madness is a heightened state of consciousness and a product of poetic discourse. Some believe that temporary insanity is actually a privileged moment of creative vision producing a fecundity and freedom of the female imagination. Is a woman's madness actually a superior level of sanity? Couldn't it be possible that madness is actually a rebellion against or escape from authority?
Many believe that the label of madness is the price women artists must pay for the exercise of their creativity in a male dominated culture. Others say that madness is a heightened state of consciousness and a product of poetic discourse. Some believe that temporary insanity is actually a privileged moment of creative vision producing a fecundity and freedom of the female imagination. Is a woman's madness actually a superior level of sanity? Couldn't it be possible that madness is actually a rebellion against or escape from authority?
Many believe a woman's madness can be determined by her dreams of changing the world, of radically altering conditions of human existence for all, but, primarily for women. Many female artists have a yearning for a new, more powerful, sacred image of women. We have recreated ourselves as subjects, not objects, as alchemists, goddesses, witches, explorers, scientists, archeologists, and even the self as mother of the world. It is a search for an image of the self as creator, even if it is a creator of a world others do not recognize.
In my opinion, the accusation of an intelligent woman as a witch was never an insult. One of the most highly esteemed intellectual positions in Western culture, the Medical Doctor has its origins in witchcraft. Modern medicine evolved from the wisdom of ancient practitioners of witchcraft with their herbal remedies, spells and mid-wivery. Witches were the worlds first doctors and chemists, possessing the knowledge and power over life and death. In ancient times women were the sole owners of this knowledge, and it was considered to be evil magic, instead of remedies based on the powers of female intellect.
In my opinion, the accusation of an intelligent woman as a witch was never an insult. One of the most highly esteemed intellectual positions in Western culture, the Medical Doctor has its origins in witchcraft. Modern medicine evolved from the wisdom of ancient practitioners of witchcraft with their herbal remedies, spells and mid-wivery. Witches were the worlds first doctors and chemists, possessing the knowledge and power over life and death. In ancient times women were the sole owners of this knowledge, and it was considered to be evil magic, instead of remedies based on the powers of female intellect.
The Brain in Relation To My Own Art
In my own work I try to provide women with strong intellectual examples. I celebrate the different yet equal capacities of the female mind in an attempt to further validate our feminine worth. I often use the image of the brain in my works as a reminder of the fact that we do possess useful, significant minds.
The symbol of the brain is one aspect of human anatomy that is above Western criticism. Unfortunately for Western women, the brain's respectability derives from its traditional status as a masculine trait. However since both sexes possess the powers of the mind, women have an equal right to claim the brain as their symbol. In fact, I believe if Western culture spent more time viewing this aspect of our anatomy from an artist's perspective, they would become aware that the brain looks very similar to the images traditionally associated with women. As I previously described, the brain's image evokes thoughts of dark, mysterious feminine symbols like sea creatures, aliens, fetuses, pregnancy, serpents, plants and trees. I feel the brain's visual relationship to water, nature and the underworld makes it a compatible symbol for traditional Western conceptions of femininity.
In my work I often use a somewhat realistic image of the brain outside of the body in an attempt to encourage the viewer to redefine their conception of 'mind'. On one hand, from the artist's perspective, the raw anatomical structure of the brain is both a beautiful and distinctive image. On the other hand, I understand the image's capacity to shock and disgust the viewer into acknowledging the reality of brain as organ. Generally, most Westerners find the display of internal organs disturbing, especially outside of a medical context. However, I feel depicting the brain in a state of isolation or exposure communicates a message about it's vulnerability outside of its embodied state. The image of the isolated brain has the ability to project the same finality one might feel toward viewing a brain in an autopsy room. Through these depictions, I express that the brain is only as powerful as the body that contains it.
My image of the brain often exaggerates the length and root structure of the brain stem, creating a natural or plant like association that I feel illustrates a positive intellectual connection between woman and nature. Often, in my works, the brain grows from the earth because I believe all of our knowledge comes from nature. I feel the tree-like depiction of the brain expresses that it is a symbol of great power with the capacity for growth, expansion and longevity. Similar to Western conceptions of the conscious mind, my image of the brain is rooted, expressing stability and consistency of thought. However, contrary to Western belief, I feel our brains are not souls waiting to escape into the atmosphere upon our death, I believe our thoughts, emotions and spirituality derive from our embodied existence in the same way a tree needs to be rooted in order to live. An example of the tree-like brain can be seen on AEFraser.com in the painting Fertile Mind.
On occasion, I depict the brain's image directly onto the female figures skull. This is a rather literal message intended to express my beliefs in gendered thought, female intellect and feminine wisdom. Generally, I take a less literal approach and chose to exaggerate the skull cavity to express the brain's significance in the same way I exaggerate the hips to express the power of the uterus.
The brain symbol is strong, intriguing, primordial, magical and mythical. It speaks greatly to our culture of status, human potential and creativity. It is both mysterious and intimidating. It is a symbol that expresses wisdom and history. I feel women are worthy of such a distinguished symbol. The brain, in combination with the rest of the body part symbols, expresses woman's multidimensional nature. The inclusion of the brain symbol expresses to the viewer that woman's sexuality and instinctual nature are not the only components of Western woman's identity.
For more Art and Information on Amy E. Fraser go to Aefraser.com All images and text from "Dissecting The Western Woman Artist: An Artist's Dialogue" copyright Amy E. Fraser. All rights reserved. Amy E. Fraser's Master's Thesis. Original Publication by Dartmouth College 2000.