Post-Human Perspectives Analyzing Gender, Identity, and Technology in Barbara Kruger's Art and Donna Haraway's Cyborg Theory

Abstract: This paper explores post-human perspectives on gender, identity, and technology through the lens of Barbara Kruger's iconic artwork "Your Body is a Battleground" (1989) and Donna Haraway's influential essay "A Cyborg Manifesto" (1985). By analyzing how these works deconstruct traditional notions of gender and identity, portray the body as a site of political struggle, and engage with technology, we gain insights into contemporary discussions on post-humanism. Kruger’s bold visual and textual critique of media representations of women highlights the dualities imposed by society, while Haraway’s cyborg challenges binary gender norms, advocating for a fluid and hybrid identity. The intersections of visual culture and feminist theory in their works are examined alongside examples from other contemporary artists and technologists, such as Shirin Neshat, Cindy Sherman, Stelarc, and Mariko Mori. The paper also delves into the ethical and aesthetic dimensions of the cyborg, subversion of media representations, and the broader implications for human bodies and future identities. This analysis underscores the transformative potential of post-humanism in redefining our understanding of gender, identity, and the human condition in an increasingly technological world.