Marsha Meskimmon Knihy

The emergence of the 'Neue Frau' (New Woman) in Germany after the first World War was symptomatic of the social, political, economic and cultural upheavals of the Weimar Republic. In these changing times, new opportunities for women were often pitted against retrenched, traditional gender roles.Visions of the Neue Frau explores the rich contribution made by women in the period to the visual arts. It examines the role of women as producers and patrons of art while also considering the problematic area of woman as subject and object in representation. The book ranges widely across both high and popular culture including fine art, film, performance and mass media.Contributions represent a wide range of viewpoints, from social history to psychoanalysis, and from political theory to postmodernism. Together they provide critical debate on the relationship between gender construction, social history and visual representation in the Weimar Republic.

Exploring the historical marginalization of women's contributions to the arts, Marsha Meskimmon employs contemporary feminist perspectives to highlight the significance of their work. By examining a diverse array of artists from various cultures and eras, including Rebecca Horn and Maya Lin, the book underscores the richness and variety of women's art. It challenges traditional narratives and advocates for a deeper acknowledgment of women's extraordinary impact on the artistic landscape, emphasizing the importance of recognizing differences among women artists.

Focusing on the intersection of visual arts and transnational feminist thought, this book delves into how art serves as a powerful tool for activism and social change. It examines the role of visual culture in shaping feminist perspectives across borders, highlighting the importance of artistic expression in advocating for gender equality and social justice. Through various case studies, the text reveals the transformative potential of art in fostering global feminist movements.

The second installment of the trilogy explores the intersection of decolonization, ecocriticism, and feminist art histories. It argues that these perspectives can challenge and dismantle the anthropocentric legacies rooted in Eurocentric universalism. By doing so, the book aims to foster transformative dialogues that encompass both human and non-human experiences, encouraging a deeper understanding of interconnected worlds.

Focusing on the intersection of contemporary art and cosmopolitanism, this work presents a fresh perspective on how globalization influences artistic expression. It delves into the complexities of cultural exchange and the role of art in shaping a cosmopolitan imagination, challenging existing narratives in the field. Through its exploration, the book invites readers to reconsider the relationship between art and global interconnectedness.