‘Transgender / The NewYorker’ by Alex Williamson
Ashley Johnson
Why did you choose this as your illustration example?
I chose this illustration based on the interesting number of techniques included in the piece. I am also very interested in feminist theory and the analysis of how intersectionality or the lack of can strengthen or destroy a movement.
What kind of illustration is it?
The Illustration is what I would describe as a photographic collage of a woman's profile that includes several symbols associated with the feminist movement.
What is the purpose of the illustration?
The purpose of the illustration is to illustrate the complexities of womanhood and where feminine bodies fit into feminism. This complexity is discussed throughout the article.
What was the context in which the illustration appeared?
This illustration appeared in the article ‘What Is a Woman? The dispute between radical feminism and transgenderism.’ by Michelle Goldberg, the article covers the issues between the transgender community and TERFS otherwise know as Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists. A radical wing of feminism that believes that womanhood can only be experienced by a ‘biological’ woman and that trans women do not understand the plight of sexism.
What is the message of the illustration?
The message of the illustration alludes to the complexities of womanhood and that often feminity is made up of a multitude of experiences rather than just a biological basis. Based on the number of symbols and faces that appear.
Who is the intended audience of the illustrated message?
The intended audience would most likely be the average man or woman reading daily news. The language in this article is fairly surface level that leads me to believe that it is not aimed towards individuals that are already involved in either the transgender or feminist movement. This is echoed by the fact that the illustration is of the profile view of a fairly ambiguous white woman with several feminist signs and “Trans Rights” written several times.
What is the communication objective of the illustration?
To communicate that this article is indicative of women in feminism, more specifically the relationship between cisgender and transgender women.
What medium was the illustration created in?
Based on his website the work is created by cutout, collage, printmaking techniques, and photography.
Who is the illustrator? Where do they live? Where do they work?
The illustrator is Alex Williamson, he lives in London as a graphic designer, he works on projects in several editorials, commercial, and advertising sectors.
