I will be focusing on how an iconic fictional character such as Venus, becomes an idea, in which a man or a women can manipulate the icon to suit their own ideas and needs. A fantasy figure, a projection, which can be created to fulfil or quantify the viewer in whichever way it suits them.

In ancient times Venus was portrayed as having voluptuous curves. A sexually potent goddess, of fertility, carved into stones, sometimes with a penis like head. Which reminded me of sexual obsession that Picasso had with his lovers, and the way he painted ‘Le verve’ (the dream) with his lovers penis shaped head. The ancient Greeks told myths of her kind and cruel nature. She had lovers, and a husband, she would curse and avenge those that upset her. She also had many tragedies and punishments placed upon her.

Fast forward to the Renaissance she was virginal and pure. Still a temptress she would be painted naked. Placed in galleries to be gawped at. The ‘Rokeby Venus’ painted by Sandro Botticelli was a typical nude of the time.

Renaissance female nudes were very beautiful and naked. Often holding a mirror to implying that they were vain. This showed that they were to blame for man’s desires.

These days the Goddess has been claimed in a kind of New Age way. Representing a divine feminine.  Sexually powerful in her own right. Unashamed of herself. Which is very apt in an age of empowering story lines for women.

But ultimately there never was a real Venus or Aphrodite. For me it’s the same with God or any iconic images and storyline.

 

Read more "ICONS"