Curatorial Rationale

I wanted to explore concepts of feminism and the female experience in my art, and as I experimented with ideas and artforms, I refined my ideas further. The concept that guides my body of work, is the idea of female resistance, and its presence throughout history. These experiences of resistance can be social, physical and emotional, and involve women facing oppression, and fighting against it. I aimed to create works that shed light on the tragic and unfavoured aspects of womanhood in a sexist world, whilst simultaneously empowering women, by showcasing the longitudinal resistance generations of women have shown.

My exhibition is heavily inspired by Barbara Kreuger’s work, as I admire the way she uses photography, digital manipulation and text to portray feminist concepts. Another inspiration is portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz, whose detailed captures of the female experience I aimed to recreate in my own unique way. 

Each artwork in the exhibition subverts gender stereotypes or narratives of previously silenced women, linking all pieces together in hopes to rewrite history or change the present, to acknowledge powerful female figures, and celebrate the strength in their resistance.

The exhibition has been displayed in two main sections, the past and the present. The past focuses on the representation of the female experience of resistance in storytelling and history, whilst the present incorporates modern day issues that unfortunately still need addressing. ‘Power in voices’ the protest photographs have been displayed horizontally, stretching across the full width of the exhibition, in order to portray the longevity of female resistance, from past to present, and an unbreakable, unifying fighting spirit. The protest or fight for equal rights continues despite progress and time, illustrating intergenerational strength and resistance. The exhibition begins with ‘Gaia’, which introduces the powerful female spirit, through the personified Greek goddess of mother earth. Progressing chronologically, ‘The Witch’ aims to reclaim the power of all misunderstood women accused of witchcraft and punished by horrific means during witch trials, shedding light onto their tragedies. This intaglio print also aims to highlight their resistance, by reaffirming the impact of their culture and lives in modern society, using the recognisable symbol of the tarot card. Domestic gender stereotypes perpetuated throughout history are ironically challenged in ‘Girl of your Dreams’, a photography series reflective of 1950s sexist advertisements and media. Transitioning into the present, ‘Briar Rose’ and ‘Medusa’ are series of 3 photographs that rewrite fairytales or mythologies depicting female oppression, through modern feminist lenses. The subversion of gender stereotypes and oppressive forces, allows the modern personas to reclaim their power and tell their own stories. Finally, ‘I choose the bear’ and ‘Inherited Silence’ address issues of domestic violence, sexual assault/harassment and femicide that are still prevalent today, by acknowledging the ongoing resistance of women around the world, and encouraging the need for drastic societal reform. 

 A consistent motif across all my works are female figures. Their dominant appearance mirrors the representation of women in the art world as ‘muses’, whose stories are written and created by men. However, my works subvert this stereotype, as not only are the female figures the subject, but also the creator of their stories. The women have a sense of self-agency and strength that allows them to express their truest selves and beliefs, overriding any adherence to the male gaze.  

 I chose to concentrate on photography as it offered the chance to capture real yet ephemeral moments. Portraiture allowed me to express clearly the emotions of my subjects and digital manipulation gave me the opportunity to create surrealist yet believable imagery. For example in ‘Medusa’ the digitally edited snakes weave their way through the woman’s hair. 

 I want the audience to feel a sense of empowerment as they view my exhibition. The resistance that female figures have shown in the face of adversity, combined with the strength to subvert or challenge norms and oppressors over time, enables women to reclaim their power, and acknowledge the tremendous positive change our society has already experienced. However, I also want the audience to feel confronted with the issues of sexism, so that they can reflect on the societal shift that still must take place in our world and be inspired to create these changes.