12.05.15 "Nowhere Fast". (Conclusion)

"You shouldn't always see your world so clearly,
You shouldn't always know your place so well".

Now for the finale:

CONCLUSION

The accomplishments of these women is far greater than what they were expected to achieve. Despite restrictions, boundaries, and the lack of opportunities, they persevered and exceeded people's cynical views. Margaret Abbess created sketches of her observations, after her studies were delayed, to work in a factory, during the war years. To Abbess, that is all her sketches were; something 'she did before she completed her studies', and she wasn't aware of the significance of her work, as a woman's perspective of war. (Palmer) By disobeying women's boundaries on front-line exclusions, Linda Kitson's conté crayon sketches of troop's lives, gave an insightful look into their past times, excluding conflict. The work's medium gives a feeling of documentation, and appears to the audience as a realistic representation. Kitson's work was a rarity amongst female war works, with the majority of commissions being home front depictions. Kitson and Abbess created these works unofficially, but contributed to female war art with significant female perspectives and the rarity of females' representation of front-line troops.

As women gradually became more involved in the munitions industry, commission opportunities became greater. Anna Airy received a four work commission from the IWM, which enabled her to create the production scenes. These works showed what went on behind the scenes of war craft, and Airy shows the indication of low investment and cheap labour that was required. Airy was showing a crucial time in munitions manufacturing. Airy's skills as an artist drew attention, and she was felt to be one of 'England's most talented women artists' and a 'talented draughtsperson in the academic manner'. (128) As a woman, this was a great compliment. Women were denied access to training in the beginning, and to be considered talented in the academic sense was a great achievement. Airy's works were vital to the visual aspect of war craft production, and showed audiences the beginnings of war. Flora Lion's work of aircraft scenes, are in relation to Airy's factory scenes, although, Lion shows men's work, primarily. The labour's influence on the workers is prominent and important for war's technology.

As a woman, being commissioned overseas was a great honour. Mary Kessell received the privilege by the WAAC. She showed images of Berlin's refugees, and their survival, after camps were newly liberated. The works were filled with sadness, loneliness, and gloomy surroundings. Although, Kessell managed to stay emotionally detached from the suffering, aside from the feeling of being 'ashamed' that she had clean clothing and shoes whilst they were left with nothing. (IWM) The documentation of the events in Berlin, from Kessell's diary, gives a written account of experiences after the war had ended. The Refugees' lives in Berlin, compared with Britain's air raid victims was miles apart. Showing these people in art works demands acknowledgement, and makes the reality all the more concrete.

Dame Laura Knight has been the most successful female war artist, receiving much recognition despite her gender. During her work on the Nuremberg Trials, she tried to remain detached from the city's evident sorrow. The two scenes combined, created an image of dramatic proportions, and if you knew nothing of the trial, the background would give you an indication. The image makes the defendants face the seriousness of the destruction they have caused, and gives an overwhelming visual impact to the audience. This work contributes to war art in a positive light, although the events leading up to this moment are horrific, justice is finally prevailing.

Evacuation scenes were an area of war art that people had become well aware of. Ethel Gabain's scenes were untrue representations of positivity. However, her position as a female artist restricted her from producing works from her own artistic freedom. The WAAC wanted to keep the public full of hope and optimism, and art as a medium was used in this way. The lithograph's nature gives a pencil drawing appearance, making them look drawn from life, and a picture of reality. The contribution this has made to war art, is that of providing the public with images of positivity, and a way of understanding. The press photograph of Gabain contributed to the female artist in a positive light. Her femininity does not restrict her from producing work in the outdoors. She seems in her element, and is not showing the female stereotypical signs of being too emotional, and delicate.

Evelyn Dunbar's works of women in men's roles also show a positive representation of women. Women were required to step into men's work, once they were called for the front-line. The women do not look distressed or incapable, but in complete control. Land Girls were highly advertised during this time, and depictions of them are an area especially associated with the war. Her other work on food rationing, is an area people would have been especially familiar with during the war. People would have experienced food rationing, so showing it in art would have needed to be a realistic portrayal. Showing herself and her family, could become a positive aspect of Dunbar's work. It shows her own experiences, and makes her easy to relate to as a person, not just an artist.

The Women's Voluntary Service helped people on the home front with food rationing books, and clothing. Evelyn Gibbs' commissions showed these women assisting the public after the air raids. The seriousness of conflict's repercussions on society, is a familiar experience with the public, alongside Dunbar's food rationing work.

Women have gained notable acknowledgement for their war works; even receiving individual praise. They have taken their own experiences and visions, and created work that the public can relate to, and gain a great understanding from. Their gender has not defeated their skills as solely artists, and they have proven that works by women can be appreciated for their context and subjects. The new idea of looking at a work for it's context, and not concentrating on the creator's gender, is something that will hopefully help future female artists with their goals, but not dismiss artists' achievements altogether. Femininity is not a disability; it does not make an artists hands any less creative. A work can give you greater understanding, and appreciation regardless of the artist's gender.

Here are some songs I've been listening to on repeat for the past few weeks..

Lykke Li 'Sadness is a Blessing'
I don't love all her work, but this and 'Gunshots' are phenomenal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu-b3u5jDiU

Paloma Faith 30 Minute Love Affair

Can she do any wrong?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0O2DfNRxv4

The Cleftones Heart and Soul
For the Old Soul within me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OH7Ay1tvXs

Jags Back of My Hand
Totally thought this was Elvis Costello when I first heard it, loved it anyway.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNFGE3QJiZ0