Article
Matrixial Gaze
The matrixial gaze is a concept developed by Bracha L. Ettinger in the 1980s as an alternative to the male and female gaze. It focuses on shared subjectivity, empathy, and the interconnectedness of the viewer and the viewed. Unlike the male gaze, which objectifies, and the female gaze, which centres on agency and subjectivity, the matrixial gaze explores the space between self and other, often using metaphor and poetic language. For historical background on the cultural moment that shaped feminist theory in that decade, see: 1980s.
Key Features
- Emphasises empathy, co-experience, and mutual recognition.
- Blurs boundaries between subject and object.
- Often used in art, psychoanalysis, and feminist theory.
Writing Tips
- Use the matrixial gaze to create scenes of deep emotional resonance and shared vulnerability.
- Explore the psychological and sensory overlap between characters.