Essay Question: How did women artists expand Surrealism? Discuss with reference to at least two women artists, and works of art in any medium.

Introduction:

Begin with an introductory paragraph, in which you problematise the question and give context.

_{For example, in this case, you could:}

_{- Begin by explaining the Surrealist male's approach to women (as a threat or muse) and then stating how that, despite this, Surrealism (unlike other avant-garde movement) allowed women to act as artists.}

_{- Then you would mention that the work of Surrealist women expanded the movement significantly because they were able to surpass the gender stereotypes adhered to by the Surrealist men. However, then you explain that women artists also made contributions to the Surrealist movement independant of their gender.}

The question asks you to discuss with reference to at least two particular artists. State in the introduction the two artists you will focus on and why. 

First Paragraph:

In your first paragraph you should focus solely on your first artist. Begin by describing how she challenged the gendered terms of Surrealism.

_{I would choose Leonora Carrington, who did so as follows:}

_{- The leader of Surrealism, Andre Breton, had constructed an image of perfect Surrealist 'female' and argued that Carrington resembled this perfect woman. Carrington challenged this idea by subverting the terms of the construct (madness and the 'femme enfant') in her paintings - more detail of this can be given in interview. REMEMBER TO GIVE VISUAL EXAMPLES OF PAINTINGS.} 

Second Paragraph

Then describe how your artist made important contributions to the Surrealist movement independant of her gender:

_{Carrington did so by:}

_{- Injecting her own heritage into her paintings. REMEMBER TO GIVE EXAMPLES.}

• Bringing an interest in myth and mythical creatures to the movement. 

Third Paragraph

Then move onto your second artist and describe first how she challenged the gendered terms of the movement. 

_{I choose Leonor Fini. A discussion of this artist is a natural extension of a discussion of Carrington’s works as she was a close friend and even pictured Carrington in some of her works.of a discussion of Carrington’s works as she was a close friend and even pictured Carrington in some of her works.}

_{Fini opposed the misogyny of the male Surrealists by:}

_{- Picturing female power in her work. Remember to give examples.}

_{- Challenging the male gaze in her painting.} 

Fourth Paragraph

Then describe how your second artist made important contributions to the Surrealist movement independant of her gender.

_{In the case of Fini she also introduced an interest in mythology, particularly the character of the Sphinx.}

Conclusion:

Finish with a concise and clear summary of what your essay has aimed to get across to the reader. 

_{I discussed what the first generation of female surrealist artists contributed to the movement. I chose Carrington and Fini in particular because their work is united by certain common features (e.g. both painters, both interested in mythology etc.)}

Finish by widening out the discussion and introducing a 'spring board' point, which might inspire further research.

_{In this case I would explain how the innovations of women Surrealists were not noticed until 1985, when an art historian named Whitney Chadwick wrote the first book on female Surrealists. I would then explain how female Surrealists do not want to be regarded as a female collective, but have to be so in the early stages in order to initiate their well-deserved attention.}