21st Century Women: our autumn group show which opened in tandem with last year's enigmatic Frieze art week in London.
21st Century Women comprises a thorough survey of emerging and established British female talent working in a wide range of disciplines within the practice of fine art. Curated by Fru Tholstrup and Jane Neal, the show included British artists who examine the role of women in contemporary society; others who are motivated by the body politics surrounding the objectification of the female form; and those who question the fractured sense of being that many contemporary women feel today. Some of the artists included have chosen work that is not intended to be read and interpreted through the lens of their sex. This is a show about the freedom of women to make the art that they choose.
A guest taking a picture of X Marks The Spot (2018) by Helen Beard
The works in 21st Century Women divide into distinct categories: Women and Power; Sexuality and Gender; Portraiture; The Domestic Interior; Fairy Tales, Magic and Mysticism; and Nature and the Sublime. The rich variety of works in this exhibition were intended to provide a platform to showcase just some of the talented and powerful women artists working in Britain today.
Helen Beard, one of the exhibiting artists, talking to a guest at the private view
“It is high time that women artists attain greater visibility in the art world – and there is no excuse for discrepancy in price points between men and women in the primary or the secondary markets. 21st Century Women is making a stand.”
– Jane Neal and Fru Tholstrup
Guests admiring the works of Anna Freeman Bentley
The private view, which took place on Friday 05 October, was a vibrant and celebratory occasion, perfectly complementing the powerful atmosphere produced by works of such incredible female artists. The event was attended by over 700 guests, who filled the gallery space with stimulating conversation while admiring the incredible works.
On arrival, guests sipped on Hacienda Punch in mini Patrón bottles, followed by Patrón Tequila cocktails including Patrón and Fever-Tree tonics, Perfect Patrón Margaritas and Patrón Old Fashioneds throughout the night.
Fru Tholstrup (left) and Jane Neal (right) standing in front of Sidesaddle (2018) by Helen Beard.
21st Century Women at Unit London Mayfair ran from 05 – 31 October 2018 at Unit London, 3 Hanover Square, London W1S 1HD.
Event photography by Enrico Policardo (@cardopoli).
Patrón
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Double Dutch
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