Hidden voices: cornwall gallery unveils a decade of female artists
Cornwall’s Penlee House Gallery is poised to challenge decades of artistic imbalance, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the work of Britain’s most significant female artists. Starting this Thursday, a carefully curated exhibition, ‘Making Her Mark,’ will finally bring these overlooked talents to the forefront.
A long-overdue spotlight
For years, the gallery’s collection has largely prioritized male artists, a reflection of the systemic inequalities faced by women creatives throughout history. But this collaboration between Penlee, Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, and Kirkcaldy Galleries in Scotland is dedicated to rectifying that imbalance, presenting over 20 works by renowned names like Tracey Emin, Barbara Hepworth, Laura Knight, and Gillian Ayres.
The exhibition’s centerpiece, a provocative Tracey Emin piece, dominates a room above a striking marble fireplace. Just across the hall, Barbara Hepworth’s vibrant tapestry draws the eye, instantly shifting the narrative of the space. It’s a bold move, one curator Katie Herbert admits was initially met with some hesitation – particularly regarding Emin’s prominent placement.
Collaboration and shared vision
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for visitors to encounter the remarkable work of some of our nation’s best women artists,” Herbert stated. “We may never see a Tracey Emin here again, but this is a vital step towards a more inclusive Art world.”
The project, funded by Art Fund’s £5m Going Places programme, represents a significant investment in fostering connections across the UK’s museum landscape. The initial ‘speed dating’ approach to identifying common ground between the participating galleries proved surprisingly effective, revealing a shared desire to address historical omissions.
Breaking down barriers
The exhibition delves into the obstacles women artists historically encountered – from restricted access to Art schools and life classes, to outright societal bias. One painting, Dod Procter’s ‘Portrait of Eileen Mayo’, poignantly illustrates this struggle, depicting women collaborating in private to circumvent limitations imposed by formal institutions. Hepworth’s presence in the collection is particularly noteworthy, a testament to the gallery’s commitment to expanding its representation of female voices.
Even logistical challenges weren’t insurmountable. Imogen Bright Moon’s large-scale tapestry, generously supplied by Worcester, necessitated a creative solution, finding a fitting space alongside Emin’s impactful work. Gracie Divall, the programme lead for Going Places, emphasized the excitement surrounding these newfound partnerships. “It’s fantastic to see these institutions working together to celebrate their collections and diversify their offerings,” she noted.
A legacy of resistance
Beyond the individual artworks, 'Making Her Mark' serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality in the Art world. Artist Kate Turner, who collaborated on a protest banner for the exhibition, argues that “female artists continue to face challenges, making the themes in the exhibition as relevant as ever.” The banner, born from the experiences of care-experienced young people, underscores the enduring need for representation and recognition. The project isn't simply about showcasing past achievements; it's a catalyst for continued dialogue and action.