Uncovering the effectiveness of digital literacy in the virtual realm : a case study of Syrian women (in)visibility in art
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Women artists, in general, have been historically underrepresented and invisible in the art world. Likewise, women artists from the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region encounter gender-specific obstacles, such as self-censorship, sexual harassment, stereotyping, societal backlash, and marginalization, often intensified by government censorship, political and social context. The rise of cyberspace and digital art during the pro-democracy protests in countries like Egypt, Syria, and Yemen in 2011 have been a powerful tool for community development and raising awareness around human rights and socio-political issues. However, the digital divide remains significant for marginalized groups and women. This qualitative case study aimed to explore digital literacy as an enabling factor in reclaiming the agency and visibility of Syrian women artists post-2011, by focusing on the power relation within the Syrian art scene, including the challenges and opportunities artists encountered in the context of ongoing conflict and forced displacement. Moreover, this study explores to what extent utilizing cyberspace accelerated their visibility on the local, regional, and international levels after 2011. From this research, I intended to explore how artists envisioned the future of art and creativity during the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). All participants in this research were publicly known on social media, and they expressed an interest to have their respective artist's name used.
Source: StFX Scholar
Author: Eidmouni, Milia
Language: English
Topic: Art, Technology, and Culture
Subfield: Visual Arts and Performing Arts
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7208690368