n.paradoxa - international feminist art journal

n.paradoxa is the only international feminist art journal in the world that explores the work of contemporary women artists and feminist theory.

| March 6th 2011 | JELENA GRAOVAC | The journal was founded in 1996 as an online issue, and the printed version was established in 1998. n.paradoxa publishes scholarly and critical articles written by women critics, art historians and artists on the work of contemporary women artists from around the world. The editor and founder of the journal is Katy Deepwell (linked in, paradoxa). For each thematic volume in print she selects well known artists and authors (Carol Duncan, Kaja Silverman, Linda Nochlin, Amelia Jones, Jo Ann Isaak, Martha Rosler) turning each issue into a mini-reader for all those interested or engaged in contemporary art practice. The latest volume of n.paradoxa explores the theme of 'Women's Work' (Vol. 27, Jan 2011).

What are feminist art and the “subject” of feminist art history and criticism? One obvious answer is that it is art made by women. Or is it about women artists in relation to the art of their time and place and how they have been understood as artists?

In most of the world’s democracies, the percentage of women making art is between 40-50%. And yet the proportion of works by women artists in museums and “reputable galleries” is, on average, 20% (7% Tate Gallery, 20% Centre Pompidou). When we talk about art, we talk about presentation and representation of that art, of what is seen. Therefore feminist art history is always trying to read the writings on art history, social reality and cultural myths.

In the latest online issue (Issue 21, Sept 2010) of n.paradoxa, Katy Deepwell offers a short guide through feminist art, art history and criticism in “twelve steps”, as well as a good review of literature on the subject.

n.paradoxa's online archive contains more than a thousand pages available in pdf format.

Here are some reading suggestions:

  • Issue 19, Mobile Fidelities, editor Martina Pachmanová, assistant professor of History And Theory of Art at the Academy of Art, Architecture and Design in Prague. Read some of her interviews with Kaja Silverman, Amelia Jones, Jo Ann Isaak, Carol Duncan and other key figures of feminist criticism – their personal testimonies on art and feminism.

“Interview is to art history what an intimate journal is to literature.”
(Marcia Tucker)

  • Issue 14: Article by Ruth Wallen. Her work is focused on ecology and the influences of 1970s feminist artistic practices on contemporary activist art.

  • Issue 12: is dedicated to the relationship between historiography of art and feminism.

  • Issue 10: Article by Leonida Kovač, “The Anatomy of Reality: Duba Sambolec” (a good opportunity to recommend her new book).

n.paradoxa's website also contains an index of international books and articles on women's art practice, as well as a list of journals and links to websites of women artists and organizations.

n.paradoxa regularly organizes seminars, lectures and conferences; more information can be found on their official blog. KT press is the publisher of the bi-annual print journal, and for information about online issues you can subscribe to their mailing list.