Blood and bodily fluids, enduring themes in art, have left their mark on human history. Traces of blood and urine, used as binders for pigments, have been discovered in prehistoric cave art worldwide, such as the renowned Lascaux cave in Dordogne, France (FWNWE, 2018). Blood, a potent symbol, and bodily fluids establish a direct link between the body and the artwork, a ritualistic energy transfer into iconography. The creative intent, mingled with blood and bodily fluids, engenders powerful symbolism. Blood, offered as a sacrifice of one’s essence, weaves an intimate connection between the artist and the materials used, creating a visual narrative.
The use of blood and bodily fluids in art is a multifaceted practice, varying across cultures and time periods. In India, for instance, the Delhi-based Shaheed Smriti Chetna Samiti (Society to Awaken Remembrance of the Martyrs) has been creating blood portraits from donated blood for over a decade. These portraits, made from the blood of ‘freedom fighters’ and revolutionary martyrs, serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight against British Imperialism and colonial rule. The use of blood in these artworks is a symbolic act of self-sacrifice, honoring the fighters and their country (Copeland, 2023, p.150).
Subhas Chandra Bose (Gupta's first blood painting)
The theme of blood and bodily fluids in art continues to be a potent tool for raising awareness and challenging societal norms. Contemporary artists, such as Robert Sherer and Judy Clark, have used these materials in their works to provoke thought and spark conversations. Sherer's 'Blood Work' (1997-present) uses blood, both HIV-negative and HIV-positive, in still-life portraits of flowers and memento mori to confront the stigma surrounding HIV and homophobia. Clark’s 'Menstruation' (1973) is a Bold exploration of the taboo surrounding menstruation, using menstrual blood, nail clippings, hair, and urine in a grid-like composition (Horne, 2021, p.37-38). These two artists use blood and bodily fluids to confront the viewer and bring emphasis to their visual narrative. It is shocking but draws the viewers' attention. The use of blood and bodily fluids in art has the unifying quality of bringing attention to their visual narrative.
Menstruation (1973) Judy Clark
Cave paintings and drawings. (2018). Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, 1;
Copeman, J. The art
of bleeding: Memory, martyrdom, and portraits in blood. Journal of the Royal
Anthropological Institute, 19, S149-S171. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9655.12021
Horne, L. (2021). BLEEDING OUT: ON the USE of BLOOD in CONTEMPORARY ART. Art Papers Magazine, 45(1), 35–39.
No comments:
Post a Comment