The Folly in Settle, which is home to the Museum of North Craven Life, will soon launch a new exhibition that examines the role of the artist’s model.
From Saturday 5 October, Translating the Body will raise questions about ‘art photography’ and the female body, and the power dynamic between art photographer and model.
Overturning the conventionally submissive role of the model, the works in this exhibition are curated by the model, and in some cases produced by her from archived photoshoots handed over by the artists.
The works demonstrate six translations of one female body originating from photographic modelling sessions carried out with artists Ann Evans, Ashwin Vyas, Michael Kilyon, Lois Brothwell and Phil Moody, and sessions with sculptor Judith Glynn.
The exhibition runs until Saturday 4 January 2025. Admission to the museum is free.
A series of craft workshops will complement the exhibition, exploring themes of ageing and the body as depicted in art.
On Sunday 10 November, from 11am to 5pm, experiment with a Life Sculpture with Wire Workshop, led by sculptor Judith Glynn, where participants can create a 3D wire sculpture, working from life model Sue Vickerman. Tickets are priced at £75, and all materials will be provided, plus refreshments. This workshop is suitable for beginners.
In Life Drawing Sessions For Women, life model and poet Sue Vickerman will deliver an untutored life drawing session surrounded by her curated exhibition "Translating the Body".
In breaks, Sue will use trigger questions to chat about ageing as a woman.
These sessions will take place on Monday 11, 18 and 25 November from 10:30am to 3:30pm, and cost £20 (£15 if low income/unwaged, no proof needed). There will be an additional Life Drawing Session for Everyone on Monday 2 December that is open to all.
Artist’s model Sue Vickerman said: “The 'male gaze' - Laura Mulvey's thesis that representations of women are always through, and for the pleasure of, men's eyes - has been hotly debated since the 1970s. Arguably it is by now a thing of the past: we are in an age of diversity where models are of all ages and genders, and their equal role as collaborators recognised. Meanwhile, new images of the body abound across social media, especially targeting the young. Are artificially-modified images of unattainable perfection - both female and male this time - tyrannising younger generations? Are we oldies thankfully well out of it?”
Caitlin Greenwood of North Craven Building Preservation Trust said: “We’re pleased to be hosting this fascinating exhibition, which has been thoughtfully curated by Sue Vickerman, offering a real insight into an aspect of the art world that doesn’t get much attention. We hope the workshops will also allow our visitors to experiment with a new artform and enjoy a creative, inspiring craft session.”
Details of the exhibition and workshops are available on The Folly’s website. Booking is required for the workshops. Please visit https://thefolly.org.uk/whats-on/
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