Girl on Girl by Sophie Gilbert - Book Summary

Sophie Gilbert's book "Girl on Girl" challenges the notion of the female gaze, arguing that it is not a straightforward alternative to the male gaze but a complex interplay of identification and objectification. Gilbert critiques the idea that women behind the camera inherently create feminist art, suggesting instead that their perspectives are influenced by internalized patriarchy and societal pressures regarding beauty and desirability. Through a series of case studies ranging from 19th-century painters to contemporary Instagram aesthetics, she highlights the nuanced dynamics at play when women depict other women.

The discussion extends to modern phenomena like selfies, which Gilbert describes as both empowering and a form of self-surveillance. While selfies can foster community and self-definition, they also reflect patriarchal standards, creating a cycle of comparison and performance. Gilbert's examination of artists like Nan Goldin reveals the tension between authenticity and exploitation, questioning the ethics of representation in art.

In her analysis of queer desire, Gilbert finds potential for authentic expression among female artists who challenge commodified representations. She also critiques the beauty and fashion industries for co-opting empowerment language to sell products, arguing that the push for body positivity can sometimes mask underlying commodification. Ultimately, Gilbert calls for critical awareness of the visual narratives we consume and create, emphasizing that the struggle for a more genuine female gaze is ongoing and requires conscious effort.

Sophie Gilbert's Girl on Girl argues that when women look at women, it's never simple. We dig into selfies, mean-girl movies, and why the female gaze is a conflicted one.