“Hiding but still not knowing,” a piece by the artist Linder, created between 1981 and 2010, is a significant work within the Feminist Art movement, depicting a blend of photography and social commentary. The artwork is a striking black and white photograph that embodies the complexities and constraints surrounding female identity and expression.
The artwork portrays a woman whose face is partially obscured by a transparent material wrapped tightly around her head, symbolizing both concealment and exposure. This wrapping emphasizes her intense, darkly-lined eyes and dramatically painted lips, creating a stark contrast with her pale complexion. The woman adorns multiple strands of pearls draped elegantly around her neck, adding an element of classic femininity juxtaposed against the surreal and constricting veils. The intricate lace details of her clothing further juxtapose traditional feminine symbols with a sense of entrapment and hidden emotions, a theme often explored in feminist discourse. The monochromatic color scheme enhances the visual impact and emotional depth of the piece, making it a reflective and thought-provoking representation of the struggles and challenges faced by women in society.
