Photographic representation of lesbian identity with special reference to the Southern African context

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This thesis presents a discussion of a photographic representation of lesbian identity inSouthern Africa. Two photographic series, Does your lifestyle depress your mother? andthe Dyke Career Series (collectively referred to/exhibited as Lavender Menace) producedduring the period 1997 to 1999 form the practical component of this MA submission.Lavender Menace is considered in relation to lesbian identity, lesbian social visibility,stereotypes and the relationship between photography and 'reality'. The various readingsthat the works can be said to have, are discussed and an explanation of the purpose inphotographing the 'ordinariness' of the lesbians who were imaged, is included.A historical overview of the concepts 'lesbian', and 'visibility'specifically in SouthAfrica during the last 50 years, and how homophobia has affected lesbian life ispresented in Chapter One.In Chapter Two, the notion of stereotypes is examined, particularly those of the 'butch'lesbian and the 'lipstick' or 'chic' lesbian. Neither of these stereotypes is entirelyaccurate and the role of stereotypes in potentially disseminating mis-information andprejudice, and how this influences potential ways of identity construction, is discussed. Itcan be seen that this influence of stereotypes on lesbians and lesbian visual representationcannot be ignored as the dominant stereotypes in society are too pervasive.The notion of readability is explored in Chapter Three. The constructed nature ofphotography, specifically with regard to Lavender Menace, is discussed in relation totruth, theatricality, the use of text and possible readings of the work. An explanation ofmy particular purpose in choosing to photograph in the way I did is included, concludingthat although meaning is not fixed, the intention of the artist can be visually presented ina 'legible' manner (if desired) to assist possible interpretations.This thesis/research has been utilised to inform my own artistic production, by exploringthe questions and issues raised while producing Lavender Menace, namely lesbianvisibility, the use of stereotypes and how images are interpreted. This thesis andLavender Menace should contribute to the general research area by promoting socialvisibility of lesbians in South Africa.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University