A free exhibition which celebrates Hull’s creative women is launching next week at Kingston Art Group Gallery as part of Hull UK City of Culture 2017.
The Female Gaze is one of 60 projects funded by Hull 2017’s Creative Communities Programme, delivered in partnership with the Big Lottery Fund. It is also a highlight of WOW – Woman of the World – Hull, a festival celebrating gender equality.
The exhibition, which features the work of 10 female artists, is part of a wider series of events at Kingston Art Group Gallery, which recognise and celebrate the city’s female creatives.
These artists have found ways to tap into some of the most important themes in art. Some have used people or perhaps their own bodies to recall memories or experiences, whilst others have looked at landscape for their inspiration but here they have also found ways to explore their own ideas and feelings.
Today, women still face huge adversity and the gallery is no exception. The average representation of female artists at galleries in Europe is currently at a low 22%*, and part of the ambition of this exhibition is to inspire the next generation of female creative professionals in the city, as well as those who struggle to be heard as part of a minority group within any profession.
Guest curator Caroline Krzesinska said: “Working with artists whose enthusiasm to make a memorable and high quality show for visitors to Hull City of Culture 2017, has been hugely infectious. I have been able to select great works in a wide range of media and styles from artists at different stages of their careers. This inventive exhibition shows that they are also at the height of their creativity”.
Henri Duckworth, Executive Producer of WOW Hull and the Creative Communities Programme, added: “Hull’s women form a strong part of the city’s lifeblood, and its artists are no exception. We are delighted to be able to showcase some of that female talent through Creative Communities and WOW Hull.”
The events taking place throughout March share women’s voices in the city, as well as those from further afield. Events include talks by Daphne Glazer, Audrey Dunne and Rebecca Robyns, an open mic of poetry and performance by Women of Words, and artist Chloe Roach in conversation with London-based street artist Shuby.
Featuring the art of Anna Bean, Susan Beaulah, Lesley Bradshaw, Cath Cassidy, Lou Hazelwood, Glynis Neslan, Chloë Roach, Julia Roach, Pauline Scott and Sally Tebb.
