The Ex-Stripper of the Art World...

"Ever since women have dared to vie with men by setting up as artists, they have been mocked by the fact that historically the female is an object of art rather than a maker of art. The muse who took up the pen found herself writing about herself, or, rather, the version of herself that she had already learnt from the works of men."- Germaine Greer 'Mirror Mirror' on Stella Vine. 

Despite becoming a hugely successful artist, pursued by the likes of Charles Saatchi and having her own show in Modern Art Oxford, you will find it hard pressed to find a review of Stella Vine that does not include informing you of her stripper past. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2007/jul/08/art

This article from The Guardian covers that show and states; "Old photos reveal her to have been a real beauty a few years ago but since then she has gained weight and cropped her hair, as if to declare that she has no further interest in being pretty"
This, I find offensive for two reasons; the first being that the writer is claiming that gaining weight over the years and changing ones hair style renders a woman unattractive. 
The second issue is that this comment feels like a criticism, as though Vine has 'let herself go' and lost her femininity in order to become a 'quirky and successful artist' as if one person could not exist as both. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2012/apr/02/damien-hirst-retrospective-tate-modern

In contrast to this The Guardians article on Damien Hirst's Tate show last summer does not once mention his physical appearance over the years since he began exhibiting. We aren't told whether or not Hirst has gained weight, the article, (funnily enough), talks about his work and his retrospective.

Are we, female creatives, really going to have to revert to the idea of the Bronte sisters and exhibit our work under male pseudonyms in order for it to be viewed and criticised respectfully without mentioning whether or not WE are attractive?