According to Postcolonialist theorists provide answers from the questions below
Was the work created by a Western artist?
What does the artwork hide or reveal about Western ideas of progress, identity, beauty, etc.?
Evidence of the “colonial gaze”: If a non-Western figure is represented (by a Western artist), is he/she shown as “noble savage”, “barbarian”, “exotic” or is he/she Westernised?
Does the work promote a single national or cultural identity? Or a polyvalent (= many sides), pluralist identity?
According to Postcolonialist theorists, the answers to these questions would be as follows:
1. Was the work created by a Western artist?
- Postcolonialists would consider the identity of the artist as a crucial factor in analyzing the artwork. If the artist is Western, it would be seen as an important aspect to consider in understanding the underlying power dynamics and perspectives that may be present in the work.
2. What does the artwork hide or reveal about Western ideas of progress, identity, beauty, etc.?
- Postcolonialists would examine the artwork to identify the hidden or revealed aspects of Western concepts such as progress, identity, beauty, and other related notions. They would scrutinize the artwork to uncover any underlying assumptions, biases, or stereotypes that perpetuate Western ideologies.
3. Evidence of the "colonial gaze": If a non-Western figure is represented (by a Western artist), is he/she shown as "noble savage", "barbarian", "exotic" or is he/she Westernized?
- Postcolonialists would look out for signs of the "colonial gaze," which refers to the way non-Western figures are represented in Western art. They would analyze whether these figures are portrayed using stereotypical tropes such as the "noble savage," the "barbarian," or "exotic" depictions. They would also assess if the non-Western figures are Westernized, meaning if they are depicted in a way that conforms to Western ideals and norms.
4. Does the work promote a single national or cultural identity? Or a polyvalent, pluralist identity?
- Postcolonialists would explore whether the artwork promotes a single national or cultural identity or if it embraces a polyvalent or pluralist identity. They would assess if the artwork reinforces dominant Western narratives or if it opens up space for diverse and multifaceted identities, acknowledging the complexities and heterogeneity within cultures and societies.
These are some ways in which Postcolonialist theorists would approach the analysis of artworks in relation to Western ideas, power dynamics, and the representation of non-Western figures.