Women of Heritage is taking leaps and bounds with the project involving 24 women from a range of culturally diverse backgrounds and age groups. I’m looking forward to the visual storytelling component of the project, so watch this space!
As outlined in my previous posts, ‘Women of Heritage’ was an initial concept influenced by the exploration of my own cultural heritage and identity.
Due to my interest in cultural diverse communities, came the idea to further explore and celebrate these communities which reside in Newcastle. From here I have invited women and families to participate in the project, with 10 participants to date from German, Italian, Irish and Croatian background, with more ready to take part.
Below are some images of the projects initial development (Stage 1);
Women of Heritage is a multi-layered project which commenced earlier in the year. It initially began as an exploration into my own cultural identity, from visually depicting and interpreting characteristics, domestic roles and the spiritual beliefs and practices which connected women in my family (including myself) to their cultural heritage, from both the traditional and contemporary associations and disconnections.
The format as to how these are being represented is through portraits and masks, with each utilising a range of mediums, cultural motifs and decorative designs. Below are some works in progress demonstrating these processes;
Here are the results of the works in progress from family members to participants from the local Newcastle community.
I feel so connected to this project and the response from those willing to participate has been very humbling and overwhelming, with more women engaging with the project.
I am so passionate about sharing others cultural stories and creating a visual voice to those willing to open their lives to the broader community.
This project is about celebrating and showcasing our culturally diverse community from a female perspective, including an opportunity for women to tell their own individual stories reflective of cultural identity and connectedness.
Women of Heritage is Part One of the latest art project in development.
As mentioned in the previous post my cultural heritage, including my fathers journey from Greece on SS SKAUGUM (first refugee and ‘displaced persons’ carrier established by the UN under the “International Refugee Organisation”), including the domestic and social role of women will be a focal point for the coming years of my arts practice.
Part One will explore my generational heritage, specifically of women who have played an intricate role into my up-bring, been influenced by cultural traditions and also challenged the traditional domestic roles.
These concepts will be explored in the form of 2D and 3D works, encompassing symbolic and interpretive imagery, and the reproduction of significant & traditional objects.
