Gallery displays work of ‘hidden women’ in Chatham

A newly set up gallery in Chatham to feature work by female artists has illuminated the voices and achievements of women past and present.

Each piece of artwork in the gallery has a story behind it which symbolises the struggles that women in past and present have had with getting their voices heard.

The gallery has hosted artwork by a Ukrainian woman, currently in exile. The woman constructed a painting of her daughter and is using the revenue to send to her friends who have not been able to escape Ukraine.

She said her artwork is “[to find] a true and genuine reflection of our beautiful city.”

The co-ordinator of the gallery, Edwina Jaques said she is keen to host more artwork by Ukrainian artists in her galleries.

Ms Jaques said: “It is a way to educate people because these are all women where people might have heard about them, but they don’t know their story.”

“There are so many women who have done amazing work but have got nothing for it.”

The exhibit will be on display in Chatham until 19^th October.

Ms Jaques said she was also keen to display artwork of students as part of her initiative to get more women into art. Students of University of the Creative Arts performed a catwalk at the exhibit where they were dressed in their own designs whilst a poem ‘hidden women’ by Julie Atwal was read out during the show.

“I wanted to have a female group because in the major galleries still, only 5% of the show are by women… women have been pushed down and down and it is our time to have our voices heard.

“I felt there was a big need for women to have their own group and this is why we are unique.”

She explained that the Duende theme is to ensure people can appreciate the stories at the heart of the artwork.

Next year, co-ordinator of the group says they will be showing a display on ‘dreams’ at Swale Media Arts Centre in Sittingbourne.