Common images of women in art and expectations

Baku/14.07.23/Turan:  In a captivating panel discussion titled "Women as the Beginning of Humanity," held on July 14 at the Yarat art space, Islam Hasanlizade and Legend Tahirova shared their insights as esteemed guests. The engaging conversation was expertly moderated by Mina Abbasova.

The panel delved into the prevalent portrayals of women in art and the societal expectations placed upon them. The patriarchal nature of society emerged as a central concern, as participants highlighted the pressing need for systemic change and the unfair burden placed on women.

"As resources, women have been viewed for centuries," observed Islam Hasanlizadeh, encapsulating the prevailing sentiment.  Afsana Tahirova added: "Women were expected to meet various needs."

While the panelists expressed some divergent views throughout the discussion, one particular topic that sparked debate was selective abortions. Legend Tahirova vehemently argued that banning selective abortions was an indication of the patriarchal system's encroachment on a woman's agency, framing it as an infringement upon her right to make decisions regarding her own body. Islam Hasanlizadeh, on the other hand, dismissed the notion that this was linked to patriarchal structures, even challenging the fable that patriarchy necessarily meant the dominance of society over both men and women.

In recent years, society has fervently examined the role of women and how they are portrayed, spurring meaningful discussions across various platforms. It is typical for panel discussions to culminate in a shared consensus; however, this particular conversation stressed the importance of achieving harmony within society as a final thought. Similar sentiments have resonated in other discussions and events.

Art, as a focal point of this panel discussion, came under scrutiny. "Modern art creates an illusion," proclaimed Afsana Tahirova, highlighting the manipulative nature of portraying women as idealized archetypes such as mothers, sacred figures, or sources of inspiration, rather than reflecting their reality.

Following the conclusion of the panel, the floor was opened to questions and opinions from the engaged audience. Many guests expressed appreciation for the thought-provoking discussion. However, one participant expressed concern about the prevalence of women in discussions and the lack of participation of men. Fidan Humbatli, one of the attendees, voiced unease regarding Islam Hasanlizade's artistic works, expressing apprehension about the potential objectification of women through his depictions.

Another question pondered the reasons behind women's tendency to compete with each other. Legend Tahirova attributed this behavior to the influence of a patriarchal society. "There is a societal perception that men choose women as partners, fostering a need for competition among women. This phenomenon extends to the workplace as well," explained Tahirova.

Discussions revolving around gender equality, the depiction of women in art, and the societal roles imposed upon them have persisted throughout history and will undoubtedly continue to do so. To address these concerns, the panel proposed conducting seminars and discussions aimed at children and adolescents. It is hoped that such events will pave the way for a more equitable future.