Exhibition Statement

Introduction.  

What constitutes or defines a superhero? What do you think of when you hear the term “superhero”? Do you see yourself represented in the comic books you read and the television shows and movies you watch? For far too long, women have been hypersexualized and portrayed in misogynistic ways in these superhero stories. This project was created in order to combat these harmful narratives and stereotypes in hopes of changing the game when it comes to superheroes. This project includes the costume suit of a brand new, more feminist, superhero alongside a photographic comparison of images from both past and present that highlight the rampant domination of the male gaze that permeates superhero culture. How can we, as a society, deconstruct harmful, misogynistic stereotypes surrounding women and create something brand new and beautiful that women around the world can look up to?

Literature Review.  

Some of the primary influences have been specifically comic book artists such as Stan Lee and Ryan North. The art styles and stories they told were what were particularly inspiring. Looking at Stan Lee, we have to examine if he was part of the sexualization and demeaning problem or did he work against this? It is important to note that even in a male-dominated field, Lee and MARVEL continued to hire women alongside men to help create some of these classic characters that we all know and love today (Raphael/Spurgeon, 234). Research about how women are continuously defined by men in the superhero genre was identified by the rape myth and how it enforces “hegemonic masculinity” (Garland). By consistently reinforcing the rape myth in superhero backstories, it consistently makes the woman clearly defined by male intentions. The overused trope was a strong ideology that kept me centered on the empowerment of women theme throughout the project. 

Methods.

The character of “Meteorite” was brought to life by way of sewing and simple arts and crafts. The fabric was formed together by a sewing machine while many other parts are held together by layers of paint and glue. An important aspect of this costume was the reused materials that made up most of the armor. Several items used are typical symbols of misogyny (apron, dinner plates, tea cup saucers, etc…) that were reimagined to promote strength and independence instead of domesticity. Photoshop was also an artistic method used to enhance the images taken of myself in the costume in order to have a worthy comparison that takes a stand against the female superhero stereotypes across history. Traditional research into these artistic methods was done to create a full sense of both the past and present of women’s/superhero's identities. 

Audience & Impact.  

For far too long, women have been the brunt of the joke and a means of sexualization. The primary audience for this project is women of all ages, specifically, women who have never seen themselves represented in a positive light before. Why can’t women be shown in the same light as male superheroes are as strong and independent individuals? The character of “Meteorite” was designed so that any woman could wield her powers, no matter her race, ethnicity, etc… The secondary audience would be males in order to point out the flaws in their beloved system. As we live in a patriarchal society, sometimes the only way to make change is to get those in charge to give you a second glance. The character of Meteorite has inspired me to keep going in times of hardship and I hope that it does the same for all the women who never felt like they quite belonged. I have found that yearning for protection and belonging because of Meteorite. 

References.  

1. Raphael, Jordan, and Tom Spurgeon. Stan Lee and the Rise and Fall of the American Comic Book. 1st ed., 1st ed., Chicago Review Press, 2003. INSERT-MISSING-DATABASE-NAME, INSERT-MISSING-URL. Accessed 10 Oct. 2022.

2. Garland T.S, et al. “Blurring the Lines: Reinforcing Rape Myths in Comic Books.” Feminist Criminology, vol. 11, no. 1, 2016, pp. 48–68., https://doi.org/10.1177/1557085115576386.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my faculty advisor, Heather, for consistently encouraging me to try new things and be alright when things didn't go as planned the first time. I would also like to thank my sister, Katie, for teaching me how to sew for this project as I have never done this before.