Art Space
Feminist Art
The Women's Studies suite offers our walls for University of Houston students to display their work. This art must deal with gender or feminist issues. One artist displays his/her work for the duration of the school year and may provide purchase information for each piece. Women's Studies holds an art opening for the artist in the Fall.
Current Exhibit
Angela Whitford, Interconnectivity
Artist Statement:
My recent work has focused on exploring the possibilities of collage
and various found objects. This technique provides texture to the
painting and adds depth to the concept of the work. These collages
relate to women in that they each have unique material elements such
as beads, buttons, thread, and needles. Before the feminist movement
these items were written off simply as “crafts.” These were all things
that were used to define and limit women’s skills, and I think that they
are an important symbol to their struggle. The different orifices within
some of my paintings can be read as wombs. For example, Conch and
Orchid displays an orchid growing out of a conch. I associate this image
with rebirth and the concept of motherhood. A woman figure in another
painting displays a sense of introspection. Many symbols of
womanhood appear in Interconnectivity. I believe that the relation of
these different symbols shows through in my work. These pieces each
contain femininity as one of several themes.
Previous Exhibit
Bissan Rafe, Olive Brides
Artist Statement:
"I like to write a story, a poem, for every painting I make; life is fiction and mine is a very interesting one. 'Olive Brides' is a collection of paintings that reflect the suffering and hardship women face during war times. I choose to focus on the situation in the Gaza strip, and Palestine in particular, since it is my duty to honor my heritage. When I am painting, I am filled with a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. When people see my work, I'd like them to think, to feel and to touch my point of view. My work might seem a little political and feminist, but I want to bring the audience out of their comfort zone. I want to share my experience as a woman to reflect on a common yet overlooked dilemma."
Interested Artists
If you are interested in showing your work in the Women's Studies suite, please contact Holle or Kristi at wost@uh.edu.
