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Mark Newport, Batman 2, 2005, acrylic and buttons, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Richard T. Evans Fund, 2010.20, © 2005, Mark Newport
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Batman 2
- Artist
- Date
- 2005
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 76 x 26 x 6 in. (193.0 x 66.0 x 15.2 cm)
- Copyright
- © 2005, Mark Newport
- Credit Line
- Museum purchase through the Richard T. Evans Fund
- Mediums Description
- acrylic and buttons
- Classifications
- Keywords
- Cartoon — comics — Batman
- Object Number
- 2010.20
Artwork Description
The sagging form of Mark Newport's Batman 2 is a far cry from Hollywood's contemporary depiction of the hero. Newport's use of knitting, a technique traditionally associated with women's work, is representative of a growing number of male artists challenging gender stereotypes through the fiber medium. The costume's ridiculous proportions and limp posture undermine the character's hyper-masculine associations and expose the insecurities these unrealistic ideals perpetuate, even as they suggest the possibility of a more vulnerable male role model.
Connections: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery, 2019