Symposium | Venus 2010: They Called Her “Hottentot”

Sarah (Saartjie) Baartman, also known as the "Hottentot Venus," a South African woman who was placed on exhibit in England and France beginning in 1810 and has been described by her protagonists as animal-like and exotic, will be the subject of Venus 2010: They Called Her "Hottentot" an interdisciplinary symposium.

Although Baartman has been a point of reference for contemporary black artists, particularly women--from playwright Suzan-Lori Parks to novelist Barbara Chase-Riboud to photographer Carrie Mae Weems--few scholarly discussions have been presented dealing with the issues of her representation. Venus 2010 will discuss the critical works on Baartman as well as impart new scholarly, historical, and artistic contributions that capture the spirit of Baartman as object, icon, inspiration, and catalyst.

The symposium is coordinated by Deborah Willis, professor and chair of the Department of Photography & Imaging; Manthia Diawara, professor and academic director, Department of Cinema Studies; and Awam Amkpa, associate professor and academic director, Department of Drama. It follows the publication of the anthology, Black Venus 2010: They Called Her "Hottentot", edited by Willis.

In addition to performances, a film screening, and a book signing with Willis, the symposium will feature four panel discussions: Sarah Baartman in Context, Sarah Baartman's Legacy in Art and Art History, The 'Hottentot Venus' in Art and Film, and Iconic Women in the Twentieth Century. Panelists comprise poets, historians, architects, ceramicists, photographers, installation artists, and writers. Each panel will begin with a poetry reading followed by a focused discussion and/or film presentation.

Presenters are: Holly Bass, Lisa Gail Collins, Renee Cox, J. Yolande Daniels, Carole Boyce Davies, Cheryl Finley, Kianga Ford, Terri Francis, Lyle Ashton Harris, Michael Harris, Linda Susan Jackson, Simone Leigh, Charmaine Nelson, Ada Pinkston, Carla Williams and keynote Elizabeth Alexander.