'Mirror Mirror', Carrie Mae Weems (1987)

Throughout the History of Art it is in essence the white male that has been at it's epicentre. Within the latter half of the 20th century, Black art began to grow, but again, the emphasis was on the male. Carrie Mae Weems' work dealt with what it was to be an African American woman within a white mans world. Within 'Mirror, Mirror' Weems deals with the ideals of beauty and the prejudices that African American women deal with when sex-symbols are predominantly white.

The work references the well-known tale of Snow White (as seen above within the 1938 Disney animated feature) and specifically the way she is seen to represent the epitome of feminine beauty and grace. Her name itself emphasises the connotations of black and white on a purely aesthetic basis. White is the colour of purity and light whereas black is dark and menacing. It's ideals such as this that seem to be learned from an early age. Snow White as a feature film appeals to children, entertaining but also teaching with it's depictions of good vs evil. Weems plays on the fact that Snow Whites pale complexion is an integral part to her perceived beauty. Weems sees the lack of black female sex symbols and relates it to such childhood stories as Snow White and how during the 20th century, it was the white female that came to represent glamour, beauty and sexuality.

Tourists (1988)

'Tourists' is probably Hanson's most famous works and is really indicative of his ability to create extremely realistic sculptures. Again we see an engagement with obesity as part of American (and indeed the World's) culture and society. 

 Tourists is less overtly critical of obesity than 'Supermarket Shopper' but we are still made to engage with our own perceptions of obesity. With 'Tourists', Hanson isn't forcing us to either celebrate or be repulsed by obesity but instead appreciate the people behind the weight and understand that our initial reactions aren't necessarily true. Obesity is dangerous to an individuals health but it shouldn't control our opinions on a person. We must ask ourselves about the people we love and if they have weight issues? Obesity is unfortunately a major problem and as a result has become a key aspect of modern culture. Hanson wants us to delve deeper into both his work and the aspects of life his work represents. This is what makes him a truly great artist instead of just a great craftsman.

Queenie II (1988)

Queenie II was one of Hanson's favourite sculptures and one of the only pieces he named. Queenie II is one of my favourites too because it celebrates so perfectly the forgotten everyday worker. Hanson believed that we tend to forget that, outside of our own homes, someone needs to clean up after us. Hanson is giving us a chance to really identify the lower-class worker who does look tired, and maybe over-weight but does a hard job for very little and we need to remember the importance of Queenie and the job that she does.