A study of an Artwork
Film, 2023
Inspired by Laura Mulvey’s critique of patriarchal culture and its visual language, this short montage delves into the intricate dynamics of power and meaning in patriarchal representation. Focusing on Édouard Manet's iconic painting Olympia, the film examines the layered paradox of the active male gaze and the passive female image. It further investigates how the juxtaposition of two female figures—occupying distinct symbolic orders within the painting—complicates the patriarchal gaze’s structure. Through contemplative visuals, the montage interrogates how these subjects simultaneously reinforce and challenge systems of objectification and meaning, prompting viewers to critically reexamine the gaze and its broader implications.
Yohannes Mulat Mekonnen
A study of an Artwork// Poster