International Women’s Day celebrations emphasise the beauty and strength of women through various exhibitions and events in the UK. Highlights include the ‘Gate of Horns’ exhibition in Margate, ‘EmpowerHER’ in London, and ‘Women in Revolt!’ in Manchester, among others. These events aim to showcase women’s creativity and contributions across art and social advocacy, reinforcing the importance of celebrating women’s achievements.
International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues women face but should ultimately be a celebration of their strength and achievements. Various exhibitions and events will highlight the creativity, courage, and resilience of women artists and activists, with unique showcases across the UK.
1. Gate of Horns
– Where: Carl Freedman Gallery, Margate, until April 13
– What: An exhibition featuring seven women artists, celebrating female defiance and powerful narratives inspired by feminism. Notable contributions include works by Ingrid Berthon-Moine, Isis Dove-Edwin, and Emma Franks.
2. EmpowerHER ‘25
– Where: Casildart, London, 14 March – 15 April
– What: This exhibition focuses on women’s voices in art, featuring 40 artists, including notable talents like Precious Seronga. It’s a platform to amplify women’s creativity in a more intimate setting.
3. Women in Revolt!
– Where: The Whitworth, Manchester, until 1 June
– What: This exhibition underlines British feminist art, spotlighting themes of domestic labour and everyday injustices. Louisa Buck notes its focus on “the messy” realities faced by women.
4. Bobby Baker: An Edible Family in a Mobile Home
– Where: The Whitworth, Manchester, until 20 April
– What: Baker’s installation showcases her life’s challenges as an artist and mother, consisting of life-size edible models that engage the audience in a unique experience.
5. Resistance: How Protest Shaped Britain
– Where: Turner Contemporary, Margate, until 1 June
– What: Curated by Steve McQueen, this exhibition traces a century of protests, reflecting on women’s significant roles in various movements, from suffrage to civil rights.
6. Women at War
– Where: Liss Llewellyn, online
– What: This online gallery presents artworks depicting women’s contributions during wartime, celebrating their spirit and resilience through various artistic styles.
7. Paule Vézelay: Living Lines
– Where: Royal West of England Academy, Bristol, until 27 April
– What: The first major exhibition of Vézelay’s work in four decades showcases her impact on British abstraction, with a focus on her diverse artistic contributions.
8. Jyll Bradley: Running & Returning
– Where: The Box, Plymouth, 5 April – 2 November
– What: Highlighting three decades of Bradley’s work, including personal storytelling in her films focusing on identity and family.
9. Independent Women 2025 – The Influence List
– What: This report lists influential women making significant societal impacts, led by Gisèle Pelicot for her advocacy against victim-blaming in sexual abuse cases.
10. Turning Paint into Advocacy
– Where: The View Magazine, online
– What: An online initiative showcasing artworks by incarcerated women aimed at promoting social justice and human rights.
11. Women in Art Fair
– Where: gallery@oxo, London, 19 – 21 June
– What: An art fair celebrating female artists, with a jury of notable women in the arts shaping this year’s prize.
12. By a Lady
– Where: Sotheby’s auction, autumn
– What: Commemorating the legacy of Jane Austen, this auction highlights works by women authors and artists who have reshaped literary and cultural landscapes.
International Women’s Day presents a powerful opportunity to highlight the artistic contributions of women while reflecting on ongoing struggles. The exhibitions and events mentioned celebrate female strength, creativity, and advocacy, recognising the vital role women play in both art and activism. These events encourage a deeper appreciation for women’s achievements and the continuous pursuit of gender equality.
Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com