Sarah Maple’s controversial feminist exhibition is currently hosted at the Giant gallery on the second floor of Bobby’s building, located in the town centre of Bournemouth from the 15th of November 2021 up until the 13th of February 2022.
What is the exhibition?
The exhibition displays the artists photography, paintings and video performances from the past 14 years. The exhibit assists to bringing awareness about the traditional role of women in society and their objectification.
One of the things that I have noticed about Sarah’s style of art is that it often consists of elements of irony and morality.
What were the publics responses?
When interviewing members of the public during my visit at the exhibition, the majority of the responses were positive.
However, expectedly there were some negative comments as her work can challenge social boundaries and hypocrisy relating to feminism.
Gallery attendant, Amanda Williams, said that not many people know what to make of the exhibition. This is due to it being a controversial topic. She mentioned overhearing two males say: “That is a woman who has problems with men’ whilst walking out the exhibition.
Ms. Williams expressed that Sarah’s work is: “What is needed!”. She likes how the artist expresses her point through humour whilst maintaining a serious note on the matter of feminism.
She pointed at the ‘Disney Princess Series’ piece as an example. This piece showcases Sarah Maple dressed as different Disney princesses working in the so called “male dominated jobs”. Ms. Williams commented how the piece breaks the stereotype of women having a limit in the careers they can pursue.
It took me by surprise to see members of the older generation observe the exhibition. Brian Bradley, a 78-year-old male, mentioned that his granddaughter is a feminist and that nowadays our generation is more accepting of feminism.
Furthermore, 17-year-old Hana, 55-year-old Tomoko and 58-year-old Darell shared their opinions on the ‘Freedom of Speech’ video. The video consists of the artist explaining her art whilst someone slaps her throughout the performance until she breaks down. They said that it focuses on how women are confined to freedom of expression.
Deeper meanings:
The one piece that people did not comment a lot on is the ‘Anti Rape Cloak’. The gallery attendant, Amanda Williams, mentioned that perhaps this is because they did not put up the photographs of Sarah Maple wearing the cloak in different locations, so the public can’t interpret much.
When viewing the artist’s website, I came across a picture in which she is
wearing the cloak in a children’s playground. The picture made me feel a little uneasy.
Nevertheless, the stories illustrated in her photography share a strong and meaningful message.
Should you view the artist’s art work?
It is definitely worthwhile visiting the exhibition while it’s still in Bournemouth, or at least viewing the artist’s art on her website. It will leave you with an open mind to make your own interpretations. Sarah Maple is an inspiration for women.
Sarah Maple was told: “We didn’t need feminism anymore!”