Interior scroll

Definition

The interior scroll is a notable artistic and performance element used by Carolee Schneemann, representing the unfolding of personal narratives and internalized experiences in her work. This concept is particularly evident in her piece 'Interior Scroll,' where Schneemann utilizes a physical scroll that she pulls from her body, symbolizing the intimate connection between the self and artistic expression. The act of revealing the scroll serves as a powerful metaphor for exploring themes of femininity, sexuality, and the body in art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Interior Scroll,' Schneemann physically extracts a scroll from her vagina, emphasizing the connection between her body and her art as well as challenging societal norms regarding female sexuality.
2. The work was created in 1975 and is often cited as a significant contribution to feminist art and discourse, highlighting the relationship between personal experience and political context.
3. Schneemann's use of the interior scroll disrupts traditional narrative structures by presenting a non-linear exploration of identity, suggesting that personal stories are complex and multifaceted.
4. This performance piece reflects broader themes of visibility and invisibility of women's experiences within the art world, inviting viewers to reconsider their perceptions of female bodies in artistic contexts.
5. The interior scroll has become an iconic symbol within Schneemann's oeuvre, representing the ongoing struggle for female agency in both life and art.

Review Questions

• How does Carolee Schneemann's use of the interior scroll in her performance challenge traditional narratives surrounding women's bodies?
  • Carolee Schneemann's use of the interior scroll directly challenges traditional narratives by making her body a site of artistic expression and storytelling. By pulling the scroll from her vagina, she confronts societal taboos related to female sexuality and bodily autonomy. This act not only reclaims ownership over her narrative but also invites viewers to engage with the complexities of women's experiences in a manner that defies conventional expectations.
• Discuss the significance of the interior scroll within the context of feminist art movements during the 1970s.
  • The significance of the interior scroll lies in its embodiment of feminist art movements in the 1970s that sought to reclaim women's narratives and challenge patriarchal structures. This work acts as a critique of how women's bodies have historically been objectified in both art and society. By revealing her internal narrative through the scroll, Schneemann emphasizes the importance of personal experience in political discourse, encouraging other women artists to explore their identities through their own unique forms of expression.
• Evaluate how the concept of the interior scroll has influenced contemporary discussions about body politics and identity in modern art practices.
  • The concept of the interior scroll has significantly influenced contemporary discussions about body politics and identity by prompting artists to consider how personal narratives intersect with broader social issues. By using one's body as a canvas for storytelling, artists today continue to explore themes around gender, sexuality, and power dynamics in their work. The legacy of Schneemann's performance encourages new generations to question societal norms surrounding representation while pushing for greater inclusivity and visibility in artistic practices that reflect diverse identities.

Related terms

Body Art:

A form of contemporary art that uses the human body as a canvas or medium, often challenging traditional boundaries of art and performance.

Feminist Art: An art movement that seeks to address and challenge the societal roles and representations of women, promoting gender equality through artistic expression.

Performance Art: A live artistic performance that can incorporate various disciplines, including theater, dance, music, and visual art, often focusing on the body and presence of the artist.