My name is Michael A Beaumont Jr. I am currently a junior pursuing a double degree in Graphic Design and Art. I have decided to take ART121 because I am interested in both art history and gender equity. I have worked at Lehigh University’s Center for Gender Equity for three years as a graphic designer. By working with the center, I have been exposed to many gender equity issues and women’s rights issues. I have become very interested in the conversation that comes with combating gender inequality, and thought ART121 would be the perfect blend between my interests.
Throughout this semester I hope to broaden my scope of art history, while also sharpening my gender equity knowledge. I hope to learn about influential women artists whose names have been swept under the rug throughout history. By studying gender equity issues for several years I am aware of the oppression patriarchy brings to the world. I am assuming this patriarchy is the main reason so many women artists are left out of the history textbooks. I am also aware that for a long time, women creatives (writers, artists, etc.) operated under male pseudonyms in order to have their works seen. By using pen names, these creatives were able to publish their works and have their work evaluated fairly, without any sexist, classist, homophobic, racist, etc. bias.
As a creative myself, I am passionate about the topics that will be discussed in this class. I still have a lot to learn, so I am looking forward to learning from not only the experiences of historical women artists but also from my professor’s and classmate’s individual experiences.
–Michael A Beaumont Jr (8-25-2020)
Michael,
I’d love to learn more about your role in the “Red Sand Project.”