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Libraries Indiana University Bloomington

Art and Gender

A guide to researching topics at the intersection of visual art and gender. Includes tips for researching artists, as well as a list of sample artists working in different media.

Researching & Writing About Art

Look at the artwork:

Learn more about it:

  • Look at a source to provide you background research, such as the Oxford Art Online database. Look for biographical information about the artist(s) and/or the culture in which they created the artwork(s). Museum or gallery websites or the artist's website (if available) are also great places to find contextual information about your object
  • Search for information about gender in gender studies encyclopedias

Collect Sources through Research:

  • Find Books: search IUCAT for your artist's name, art movements, and other related concepts to your object
  • Find Articles:
  • Find Images: Find images of your object through image databases. Look at other works by your artist, objects of the same style/period, or pieces containing similar subject matter to strengthen your argument by comparing related objects

Write and Cite:

  • Include a formal analysis describing the physical properties and visual experience of your object
  • Provide contextual analysis of your object by examining its subject matter, function, and cultural / historical significance
  • Cite all quotes, paraphrased references and images used in your paper or presentation; Ask your instructor about what style to use