Are women just (nude) objects in art?

I know, this is provocative. But it should be, because these numbers aren't made up, they are facts.

Do they surprise you? Probably not.

When the best, most influential artists of all time are listed, they usually include Van Gogh, Monet. Leonardo DaVinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Picasso, Elvis, Michael Jackson, etc. Don't get me wrong, they all were incredible artists and enriched the world with their talent. It does make me wonder though, why there aren't more influential women artists - or at least not more that are remembered. Are women just not good enough in painting/music/sculpting? While according to research, men and women process art differently (ABC news: "men use the right side of their brain, whereas women use the entire brain"), there is no indication whatsoever that women are less talented artists. The real problem are cultural expectations.

The best selling musicians of all time do include a few women artists: Britney Spears and Madonna. However, their selling points have been criticized by feminists for years: sex appeal and controversial song lyrics seem to have contributed greatly to their success. Britney's "I'm a slave for you" for instance puts her - and women in general - in an inferior position and turns them into objects.

"Leaving behind my name and ageI'm a slave for youI can not hold it, I can not control itI'm a slave for you -Britney Spears - I'm A Slave 4 U | MetroLyrics"

This is the same problem a lot of women have with a large number of paintings and drawings displayed in museums and galleries. Women are often portrayed naked. Sure, in general there is nothing wrong with that, but are the numbers a bit high? Many think so. The impression of women being considered "inferior", as artists and as subjects, is a valid concern.

Gender equality in the arts is a relatively new topic of discussion and has been picked up by many blogs and magazines. ArtNews published an article on it in their 2015 issue, The Guardian discussed gender equality in the arts in 2013 and other news sources, like ABC News, are reporting on various aspects of it. Several feminist galleries and women artists galleries have sprung up as well. They are hoping to create a more prominent platform for women artists.

This is a good start. Attention, news articles, galleries, inspiration. These are babysteps and it's not certain if the future will look upon women artists any differently. The artistic voice of women is getting louder though and with cultural change, their voice might just echo.

Want more facts and numbers? Check out the National Museum of Women in the Arts site here.

“The men liked to put me down as the best woman painter. I think I’m one of the best painters.”—Georgia O’Keeffe

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