As we experience a rise in feminist politics in society today, it is no wonder that art galleries throughout the town have tailored their exhibitions closely to this theme, as they focus on the female in art.
The exhibition shows a range of Chicago’s art work, from instillations to tapestry to paintings, all on the theme of childbirth and the female anatomy
The Baltic centre for contemporary arts is no exception. With an exhibition that opened in late November and spreads through to April that focuses on a American artists Judy Chicago. The exhibition shows a range of Chicago’s art work, from instillations to tapestry to paintings, all on the theme of childbirth and the female anatomy. Starting with a large tapestry Chicago was one of the first influencers of the feminist movement and the exhibition is the first time her work has been exhibited in the UK. The exhibition moves around the room, starting with a cubist style tapestry, and moving around, perhaps the most interesting component of her work is placed at the end of the exhibition. A whole wall filled with smaller watercolour and hand drawn artwork, all depicting and expressing human emotion.
The exhibition is definitely worth a visit, and is excellently tailored to the student wallet, what with all floors and exhibitions being free, the only card machine in sight is nicely tucked away in the coffee and gift shop!
The Laing art gallery seem to have also picked up on the feminist trend, with one of their exhibitions exploring the confinement and objectification of women throughout history
The Laing art gallery seem to have also picked up on the feminist trend, with one of their exhibitions exploring the confinement and objectification of women throughout history. The exhibition features a number famous artists, some woman, all painting in the 19th century.
A common theme in many of the photos, particularly those of Edward Burne Jones depict woman as confined within rooms, often unconscious, showing the entrapment of woman during this period.
The exhibition also shows work by Evelyn De Morgan, a pre -Raphaelite inspired artist who features in the galleries second new exhibition ‘De Morgan’s – two of the rarest spirits of this age’ focusing on the art work produced by the husband and wife, who were keen supporters of the suffragette movement as well as being interested in spiritualist themes. Less centred on the trendy feminist theme, the exhibition offers a more traditional style of art, with their being a inclusion of many renaissance style biblical undertones, perhaps a less political exhibition than the Chicago at the Baltic!
All the exhibitions have placed a particular emphasis on the depictions of women throughout literature as well as women artists, very on trend with the gender politics at the moment are definitely worth a days activity, often without having to break the bank.