posted on 2023-05-25, 13:36authored byMacDonald, AL
The artefacts of material culture are symbolic of our time. Attributing gender-specific colours to baby products is not only driven by a desire to increase consumption but also reflects a conservative pink-blue worldview of femininity and masculinity.
Gender colour coding in the nursery and the toy store may seem cute and innocent, but by establishing gender binary stereotypes we are drawing clearly defined parameters for girls and boys. Dividing children into pink and blue limits possibilities undermines freedom of individual expression, and creates conflict for those who do not easily conform to these simplistic and arbitrary codes.
Pink & Blue aims to raise questions about gender coding through the evocation of a child’s bedroom at night; where darkness creates a sense of isolation, and even the cutest and cuddliest toys seem spookily sad and alone.
History
Medium
Photo media
Edition
2/5
Department/School
School of Creative Arts and Media
Publisher
Jospehine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award