I Love Being a Woman

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Postcard for the show

Acceptance and Liberation in Motherhood was a group student show running in the Witt gallery from 3/12-3/15. Curated by Allison Beck, and including artists Mia Hill, Stefani Figueroa, and Solana Torres-Pepito, the show was a plethora of women's experiences through the lens of these women. Works ranging from paintings, ceramics, prints, and mixed media filled the gallery with pieces revolving self-care, identity, periods, motherhood, and abortion. These intimate experiences are private yet universal, and they are depicted here in this show. 


Acceptance and Liberation in Motherhood, ceramic maracas

Beneath the title of the exhibition there was a podium topped with a baby blanket and ceramic maracas created by Allison Beck and Mia Hill. Each maraca was different and held a connection to feminine energy, such as a peach, a seed pod, an image of an IUD, and a red heart labeled mom. I love interactive exhibitions, and it was satisfying to shake each maraca and hear the pieces of clay jingle inside. The contents towards the front of the gallery began with the subjects of birth and motherhood. Like Allison Beck’s screen print titled Nursing Time which features a nursery mobile and a lamprey. 


Unsafe Abortion, oil on canvas and wire, Mia Hill

Moving on the artworks progressed to topics like puberty and periods, and during the reception of the show this area held a sparkly pink makeup box filled with lipgloss and nail polish for the receptions guests. This playful feminine activity created a fun, safe atmosphere to talk and laugh while seeing the show. This was especially comforting considering some of these works present topics like fertility and abortion. The deep emotions that women experience are portrayed though pieces like Mia Hill’s Unsafe Abortion, Which depicts a harrowing bathroom scene upon un-stretched canvas hanging from a wire clothes hanger. The piece speaks a thousand words in one scene, and shows incredible vulnerability from the artist. 

Angel Bunny Princess, Woodcut, Sol Torres-Pepito


A woodblock print featured in the show by Sol Torres-Pepito is titled Angel Bunny Princess and depicts a pink bunny framed in a pink heart and bows. The cuteness of this piece is vibrant and feminine to its core. I enjoy the detail in the bunny’s fur, and I love how playful this print is. This show truly encompasses a full range spectrum of a woman’s experiences. The show was warm, emotional, cute, and comforting. I thank these women for exhibiting their artwork, and Allison Beck for curtating an incredible student show.

Comments

  1. Whitney GibsonMay 3, 2024 at 9:37 PM

    Hi Rachel,

    I took intermediate Printmaking with Alison Beck last semester when she made the base for that postcard and I remember her statement of intent being one of the most intriguing in the class. As a woman myself, I love hearing about women empowerment and learning more about how other women are navigating their feminine experience. I think it is really cool that the maracas were interactive, I wonder if there was any thought behind adding sound to the exhibition or if it was just for fun?

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