The new exhibition from Sarah Jane Hender investigates notions of power, hierarchal struggles, human inner strength when confronted with authoritarian force and power of the self that can either overturn or unite. The work combines the duplicity of structure and spontaneity in approaching ideas, expressed in painting, drawing and photographical material. Historical references are an important structurization and often a trigger, for housing a political impassioned aspect, whilst pervading contemporary concerns.
After being awarded a solo exhibition prize by the CORN EXCHANGE NEWBURY & NEW GREENHAM ARTS, which was to show new works at the Corn Exchange, Hender wanted to incorporate works that had a factual connection to the local area. As the research developed the artist became overwhelmed by the events of the Greenham Commom Peaceful Demonstrations, and by what these women undertook on a regular basis, suffering abuse, vilification by the Right-Wing Press, the threat of rape, imprisonment, eviction, the removal of dignity and the de-humanization by the police. Some such as Rebecca Johnson have the scares to prove at what levels some would go in trying to remove them, Sarah-Jane freely admits a naivety around this moment in British society stating,’ I partly feel ashamed to admit I was not aware of the true struggle these women encountered.
Is it an excuse to say I was too young to remember? Part of me feels compelled to remember or at least remind myself as I am confronted by the meaninglessness of the over portrayal of the celebrity, or when I look at such figure heads such as Katie Price. This dross I feel has ruined our sense of importance, and makes a mockery of what makes us human, but then us human’s, ‘myself included’, have always been obsessed by worshiping the ‘non-hero’’.
With references from websites, such as the Guardian’s Beeban Kidron’s yourgreenham.co.uk, footage of the events surrounding that time period, whilst connecting links to the past Suffragette’s, by the use of imagery and colour.
Questioning female vulnerability, male dominance and authoritarian rule, the relevance and positioning of the Greenham woman’s role within a political view point, standing or laying in protest, how does this make us feel as a voyeur but also as regards to the current peaceful and non-peaceful riots of today?
Karen Blak Oct.2011
Thought has no Natural Boundaries Greenham Common Peace woman
Thought has no natural Boundaries
'Twilight Bender's' 2011 Oil on Canvas 30 x 30 cm
'Dragged Through the Plane' 2011 Oil on Linen 31 x 26 cm
'GWV Magnetic Pull to the Ground' 2011 Oil on Canvas 36 x 46 cm
'Dawn Burning's' 2011 Oil on Canvas 26 x 36 cm
'Cat and White Bowl' 2011 Oil on Canvas 26 x 36 cm