Delve into London’s rich world of artists and discover the many great women who helped to shape the scene. Artists such as Bridget Riley, Tracey Emin and Rachel Whiteread have not just participated in the evolution of London's art; they have led it. Through their innovation and unique perspectives, these women have broadened the horizons of what art in London represents, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. As the Garrison Chapel played host to The Future Is Female, we examine the women who changed London’s art scene.
Bridget Riley
Bridget Riley is celebrated for her mesmerising optical illusions which helped to revolutionise perceptions of motion and colour within the art world. Her work is deeply rooted in the exploration of visual sensations, bringing about a dynamic energy to London's art scene. Riley's paintings invite viewers on a visual journey, challenging them to see beyond the surface and experience the fluidity of motion and the vibrancy of colour in new and profound ways.
Tracey Emin
Tracey Emin stands as a towering figure of unapologetic expression. Her often autobiographical art navigates through themes of love, loss and human fragility. It offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into Emin’s soul. Her fearless exploration of personal experiences has forged a deep, resonant connection with audiences, making her one of the most influential contemporary artists in London and beyond.
Rachel Whiteread
Rachel Whiteread has a unique gift for transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary art. By casting the negative spaces of everyday objects, Whiteread creates sculptures that speak volumes about presence and absence, memory and loss. Her work, including the iconic 'House' in East London, not only reshaped London's physical landscape but also its artistic imagination, challenging viewers to perceive the familiar in entirely new ways.
Barbara Hepworth
Barbara Hepworth was a sculptor who redefined the interplay between form and space. Hepworth brought a unique vision to the modern art scene. Her sculptures, often monumental yet intimately connected with the landscape, explore the harmony between human experience and the natural world. Works such as ‘Single Form’ not only contribute to the physical landscape of London and beyond but also invite a deeper engagement with the abstract and the tactile. Hepworth's legacy is a testament to her ability to make the abstract intimately accessible, urging viewers to explore the spaces between presence and absence, materiality and void.
The legacy of these pioneering women extends far beyond their individual artworks. They have paved the way for future generations of female artists, empowering them to pursue their visions with boldness, authenticity and without fear. The Future Is Female not only celebrates the contributions of some of the most exceptional female sculptors, it amplifies their importance. The disparity of male to female voices in the art world is still significant but the contributions made by artists such as Riley, Emin, Whiteread and Hepworth have helped to reduce it.
Their contributions serve as a beacon, guiding and inspiring not just future generations of artists but all those who believe in the transformative power of art. In the ever-changing tapestry of London's cultural landscape, these women have engraved their names in bold strokes, reminding us that the future of art, much like its past, is indeed female.