Critical Analysis of Sarah Bartman Sculpture by Willie Bester and Poem by Diana Ferrus

The Sculpture of Sarah Bartman by Willie Bester

The sculpture of Sarah Bartman by Willie Bester represents a powerful commentary on the objectification and representation of Black women's bodies in history. Bartman, known as the "Hottentot Venus," was a victim of exploitation and dehumanization due to her physical features that deviated from the European standard of beauty. Bester's sculpture embodies the concepts of body, senses, embodiment, gaze, representation, and difference by highlighting Bartman's unique physical attributes and the gaze of the viewer upon her body.

Body: The sculpture portrays Bartman's body as a site of difference, challenging traditional beauty standards and emphasizing her uniqueness.

Senses: The viewer's senses are engaged by the sculpture, drawing attention to Bartman's physical presence and aura.

Embodiment: Bartman's embodiment is represented through the sculpture, but it also raises questions about agency and control over her own body.

Gaze: The gaze in the sculpture objectifies Bartman, reducing her to a spectacle for the viewer's consumption.

Representation: The sculpture addresses the representation of Bartman as an object of fascination and otherness, reflecting historical narratives of exploitation and objectification.

Difference: Bartman's difference from the European beauty ideal is central to the sculpture, challenging societal norms and perceptions of beauty.

Agree or Disagree with Buikema's Reading

I partially agree with Buikema's reading of the sculpture. While Buikema raises valid points about the perpetuation of objectification through the representation of Bartman's body, I believe that the sculpture also serves as a poignant reflection on the history of exploitation and the need for critical engagement with representations of marginalized bodies. The sculpture prompts viewers to question their own gaze and assumptions about beauty, embodiment, and difference.