Çağdaş Sanatta Ekofeminist Yaklaşımlar

Abstract

After environmental and feminist movements gained momentum in the 1970s, ecological principles and feminist theory conjoined under the concept of "ecofeminism" based on the thesis that they are the product of the same masculine mentality. According to the basic principle of ecofeminist theory, the masculine mentality and the associated supremacy ideals constitute the main driver to tame, exploit and dominate both women and nature. To this extent, it would be important to consider the psycho-sociological patterns that create and maintain this mentality.

Ecofeminist art is acknowledged as a type of environmental art that combines the main principle of ecofeminism with the ecological approach of environmental art. Especially since the 1970s, actions aimed at solving environmental and women's problems have been included in this artistic practice. Ecofeminist attitudes which mostly have a common discourse exhibits discord about the source and expression of the woman-nature identity. Aside from the works that establish a biological identity between woman and nature (cultural ecofeminism), there are works that oppose this identity by reminding socio-historical processes and criticizing power systems (social ecofeminism).

Despite differences in opinion; the joint effort of ecofeminist art is to, by virtue of speaking the “language of nature”, remind people that they are part of a cyclical and interconnected network, and in this sense, call for collective justice for all marginalized forms of domination.

Key Words: Ecofeminism, ecofeminist art, environmental art, gender, cultural ecofeminism, social ecofeminism.