Intersectionality and decolonisation in Brazilian and Australian feminism

Patricia Amorim da Silva (Edith Cowan University | School of Art & Humanities)
2023 Conference

This paper explores the intersection of race and gender in Brazilian and Global South Feminism, focusing on the impact of the Western canon on women’s identities, particularly in art history. This exploration reveals how traditional narratives exclude women and how Eurocentric and male-centric perspectives curtail recognition of women’s contributions.

Through the lens of postcolonial feminism, which prioritises intersectionality, I argue, as a Brazilian contemporary artist and researcher, that a comprehensive understanding of non-Western women’s experiences is required to address the limitations of Western feminist theories. Additionally, I explore the significance of Global South Feminism, which prioritises the struggles and liberation of women in regions burdened by colonial legacies and ongoing political challenges. I advocate for the amplification of marginalised women’s voices and for engagement with their unique perspectives and realities.

By critically analysing these perspectives, this paper underscores the need for inclusive and decolonised feminist theories and practices. I call for transformative approaches and inclusive frameworks that promote a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by diverse women within the context of postcolonial and Global South Feminism in Brazil and Australia. Through collective efforts, I aim to navigate pathways towards equity and inclusivity, ensuring that feminist discourses are responsive to the needs and aspirations of all women.

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About the author

Patricia Amorim

Patricia Amorim is a contemporary artist and researcher interested in exploring how identity can be perceived through gendered bodies from a feminist standpoint. Her practice-led research examines how contemporary digital photography affects the concept of gendered bodies and the possibilities of inscriptions of digitally altered gendered bodies in a cross-cultural setting. Amorim is a PhD candidate in the School of Arts and Humanities at Edith Cowan University and is also the recipient of an ECU Higher Degree Research Program Scholarship.