pseudonyms - opinions please

[mummytait]

Does a pseudonym affect the way you view or analyse a work of art? I am thinking particularly about a woman using a mans name (or vice versa). Is one gender treated differently than the other? what about on typically feminine issues like relationships with children? I'm not a raging feminist but would like to provoke a discussion.

[andy-hughes]

Joanne Rowling famously published as 'J.K. Rowling' to prevent being stereotyped as a female author. I must admit it makes no difference to me at all, apart from a mild curiosity about the author generally, rather than gender-specific. I believe publishing to be still moderately 'conservative' in its approach, so there may be a case to answer there. I really try to view any art as art, rather than created by a specific gender group.

[makemesmile]

Ok, take Tracey Emin. Her boozy episodes are well reported and art critics seem to love wagging their finger dissaprovingly at her. But it seems almost expected of male artists to be 'tortured' and over indulging in alchohol. I think it's still quite difficult for women to be taken seriously, but it will change. It's inevitable.

[spanner7853]

its the same for famous authors such as Stepehen King, maybe they want to see if it will sell just as well under an unknown pseudonym?