Edouard Manet’s “The Picnic

Art has played a prominent role in society and influences how we should think. Edouard Manet’s “The Picnic”  was the inspiration for me to paint “It’s Been No Picnic”.  In Manet’s 1863 oil painting, the women are undressed, and the men clothed, which now seems the norm. Trained as a psychodramatist, I have learned to find much value in role reversals.

As His-story goes, the male viewpoint has been unconsciously accepted as the viewpoint, especially in the art world.  During Manet's time, prejudice against women was so vehemently expressed by both male art critics and art schools, that it was almost impossible for women to enter this field.  Opportunities for women have broadened since then and we have come a long way.  But it has been no picnic, and our culture has much further to go to achieve gender equality.

In June, lawmakers passed a ban in the House of Representatives which would take personal and often complex decisions about pregnancy out of the hands of a woman and her doctor. Perhaps it’s time for another role reversal.  Maybe a congress of women should gather to decide if men should be allowed to have governing rights?