A new exhibition at Kindred Studios is exploring the lives and stories of women through the eyes of local creatives.
As part of an open call, the arts collective invited Hammersmith & Fulham creatives to contribute to a curated mixed-media display at its Shepherds Bush home.
The free exhibition features the works of seventeen women from all walks of life. Inspired by Judy Chicago's Dinner Party, their tributes offer individual takes on the question "Who would you give a seat at your table?".
Residents had a chance to mingle with the artists on opening night (Thursday 7 March), including Kindred artist Cordelia Plunket with her 3D-model of Tracey Emin's iconic Tate Britain display My Bed.
"I'd offer a seat to Tracey Emin," explained Cordelia, who was among the artists to meet the Queen on her recent visit to the studios. "She has so much inner strength and highlights issues that are important. I have a lot of respect for her."
Her miniature replica stays true to its original, except for Cordelia's signature touch – a taxidermy bird, ethically-sourced.
Representation
Fellow Hammersmith resident Negomi debuted her oil painting "Girls Club Bathroom" – an homage to the sisterhood between Black women. "It's really important to me to celebrate their experiences in a way that provides positive reflection," she explained.
At first reluctant to respond to the open call, Negomi now aspires to join the Shepherds Bush collective. "I didn't study art – I didn't really know whether it would be enough," she said. "This studio has opened up opportunities to so many people, including myself."
Leonora Lockhart, Fulham resident of ten years, said: "My practice is all about untold stories about women."
Her piece – an assortment of porcelain dishes – was made from charity shop finds from around Fulham. "I took away the surface decorations, then repainted them white on white. It shows how these objects carry memories – ghost stories – that go unseen."
Another installation highlights the disconnect between the number of women in arts education (high) and the commercial world (low), and how the opposite is true for men.
"I'm really interested in the representation of women artists in Britain and what that looks like," said Leonora. "I've started interviewing artists to see what factors come into play."
Their pieces are displayed at Kindred Studios, Shepherds Bush, until 8 April. Book a free private tour by emailing admissions@kindredstudios.co.uk.
Women's History trail
A collaboration with H&F Council, the exhibition forms part of our 2024 Women's History Month celebrations.
Earlier this week (Tuesday 5 March) H&F students helped kick off our programme of events by unveiling our new Women's History walking trail in Hammersmith.
It traces the footsteps of remarkable women who've shaped our borough's cultural fabric, and the wider history of England, including:
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Mary (May) Morris, Embroidery designer & director
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Anne Cobden Sanderson, Suffragette
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Janet Olufunmilayo Adegoke, First Black Mayor in London
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Lillie Langtry, Entertainer
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Eartha Kitt, Singer and actress
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Verity Lambert, TV and film producer
The journey begins at Kelmscott House, home to May Morris, the pioneering embroidery director at Morris & Co, and includes stops at River House, King Street, Lyric Theatre and Riverside Studios. It's part of our offer to residents to celebrate their achievements not only this month, but all year round.
Join one of our guided walks this month to learn about their lives and legacies. Or trace the route with our handy online guide and new Women's History booklet.
Meet the artists
Brigit Kovax
In her artistic endeavors, Birgit uses the canvas as a medium to articulate the complexities of my inner world. The shapes of colour and form represent a journey through the tapestry of experiences, dreams, and challenges that shape her existence. Through her art, she aims to share this ongoing exploration, inviting viewers to resonate with their own paths of self-discovery.
Kate Lowe
Kate Lowe, a multifaceted and experimental artist based at Kindred Studios in Shepherds Bush. She uses and often combines drawing, photography, painting, collage, and film to explore personal connections, particularly influenced by her roles as both a mother and a maker. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Kate is dedicated to fostering creative communities. As the founder of the Pollen Collective, she has nurtures a dynamic network of emerging and mid-career artists.
Kerri McEvoy
An interdisciplinary artist from Monaghan, Ireland. Her work is concerned with societal and institutional conditioning and the prevalence of violence against women. Her interest in theatre, film and television stems from childhood, particularly from her mother's pursuit in amateur dramatics and the ever-present hum of the TV.
Tina Crawford
A contemporary artist living in Croydon, Tina uses fabric, embroidery, found items, and paint to tell personal stories without any fancy filters. After studying at Central St Martins and working in TV, she turned to art when health issues hit. Tina, who deals with chronic pain and neurodiversity, sees these challenges as fuel for her art, especially with ADHD and dyslexia. For Tina, the sewing machine is more than a tool; it's like an extra set of hands that brings life and risk to her creative process.
Isabella Vella
An emerging artist from Toronto, Isabella Vella combines geography and environmental science in her paintings. Her distinct visual language draws on lived experiences, ancestral folklore, and medieval artworks illustrates intimate narratives of female protagonists amidst rich dreamscapes. Her heroines navigate intricately woven narratives. With a background in environmental science and geography, she brings a unique perspective to her artistic expression, blending diverse influences into compelling visual stories.
Jo Heckett
A visual artist and poet, Jo reimagines the world through the lens of the 'divine feminine' to ask: 'What would it be like if the world was shaped around and by women?' Her art reflects a deep-rooted connection to the Earth and explores the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world and delves into the realms of mythology, pleasure, and spirituality.
Nadine Talalla
A painter from Australia and Malaysia based in London, Nadine focuses on painting women from a woman's perspective. Influenced by contemporary and historical women artists, she aims to bring forgotten or subordinate female figures to the forefront. Her oil paintings, characterised by strong female archetypes, challenge conventional ideals of perfection. She paints "ugly women" from different historical periods, infusing her work with drama, colour, and the enduring spirit of womankind.
Sellvida (Silviya Georgieva)
Sellvida reflects her experiences as a woman and mother in her paintings. Working with collages and mixed media, she explores different themes, using diverse objects and textures to create multi-layered compositions. Her work reflects the complexity of contemporary urban life, addressing various emotions and experiences through her unique artistic language.
Sato Sugamoto
Hailing from Tokyo, Sato expresses the diversity of human thoughts and emotions in her art. Fuelled by a desire to break free from societal norms in Japan, her pieces explore autonomy, challenging societal norms in modern Japan. Her exploration sheds light on the complexities of societal expectations and individual identity.
Emma Woollard
Emma is a portrait artist, drawing inspiration from her unique upbringing in a family of film industry set designers. Immersed in a world of theatrical characters, she delves into the beauty and vulnerability of people through her paintings. Influenced by icons like Frida Kahlo and Mary Beard, her portraits capture the strength and vulnerability in every subject. With a background in theatre and drama, she explores character, motivation, and the layers beneath, creating a captivating narrative in each portrait.
Negomi
Self-taught Hammersmith artist Imogen Mosley explores the intersection of race and culture in her vibrant oil paintings. Drawing inspiration from biblical renaissance art and romanticism, she intentionally blends naive techniques with rich colour to convey the POC experience. Her series, starting with "Girls Club Bathroom," celebrates and authenticates the experiences of Black women, providing healing and positive reflection. Her work, seeking to redefine societal rigidity, breathes life into the untold stories of the marginalized.
Olivia Streeton
Olivia Streeton, a contemporary artist, captures the essence of complex emotions in her paintings. Informed by her experiences as a woman and a mother living in a fast-paced, technological world, Streeton's art is a sensitive reflection of daily life. Working primarily with collages and mixed media, she intricately combines various objects, creating compositions that reflect her emotional journey. Her unique approach to layering and conversation with the observer infuses each piece with a distinct charm.
Mercedes Carbonell
A visionary portrait artist based, Mercedes stands as one of Britain's most highly-regarded and innovative talents. Renowned for her imaginative oil canvases, 24k gold nudes, and celebrated iPad drawings of celebrities, Carbonell expands traditional portraiture with penetrating realism and beauty. Her unique style has garnered high-profile commissions from the Spanish Royal Family to film star Maria Barranco. With a dedicated following in Britain, she continues to redefine classical portraiture for the 21st century.
Leonora Lockhart
Leonora is a reflective artist, confronts the intersection of creativity and domestic responsibility in her work. Struggling against imposed financial limitations, motherhood, and societal norms, she explores the deep discomfort surrounding the domestic space. Lockhart delves into the lives of women, particularly artists and makers, questioning the constraints, forfeitures, and regrets they might face. Her introspective journey contemplates whether breaking down domestic walls leads to elation and satisfaction or if some women find artistic expression rooted in the kitchen table rather than the traditional studio or workshop.
Cordelia Plunket
Renowned as 'Holy Moly,' Cordelia brings a dynamic fusion of film, music, and visual arts to her creative pursuits. She uses taxidermy to recreate scenes from popular culture, with new art forms such as mixed media sculptures. Her miniature reimaginings of iconic film scenes showcase a dark, ironic, and humorous sensibility. The Queen, at her recent visit to the W12 arts studios, marvelled at a recreation of the famous Beatles Abbey Road album cover, with the Fab Four replaced with 12inch high figures with bird heads.
Louise Devonshire
A documentary TV producer turned mixed media portrait artist, Louise creates portraits that capture the essence of individuals by layering text, photographic imagery, and maps unique to each subject. Her series focuses on women over 50 and challenges societal norms by making these women more visible and telling their stories.
