In the hallowed halls of Glasgow’s Hunterian Art Gallery, Cathy Wilkes, an artist renowned for her introspective and profound installations, is set to present a compelling new exhibition this Spring. Organized in two parts, the show explores themes of war and conflict, channelling both historical insights and the artist’s personal narratives, particularly from her childhood in Northern Ireland.
“…Cathy Wilkes, an artist renowned for her introspective and profound installations, is set to present a compelling new exhibition this Spring.”
This ambitious project, supported by the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund, will begin its journey at St. Aloysius Hall, Springburn, from May 11 to 22. This offers an intimate prelude to the larger exhibition slated for the Hunterian, timed to align with the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art beginning on June 7.
Cathy Wilkes, born in Dundonald, Belfast in 1966, has lived and worked in Glasgow since graduating from The Glasgow School of Art in 1988 and completing her MFA at the University of Ulster. Her career has been marked by a dedication to themes of vulnerability and the human condition, utilizing both sculpture and painting to navigate these narratives. Wilkes’ work has not only captivated audiences but has also been critically recognized, including her representation of Britain at the 58th Venice Biennale and her receipt of the prestigious Maria Lassnig Prize.
Dominic Paterson, Curator of Contemporary Art at The Hunterian, describes the exhibition as a venture into the representations of conflict and violence that transcend traditional war narratives. “The Hunterian is enormously grateful for the opportunity afforded by this major commission,” Paterson stated. He emphasized that Wilkes’ unique approach to combining abstract and socially realistic forms makes her work deeply resonant, reflecting universal themes of attachment, loss, and exposure.
“Wilkes’ work has not only captivated audiences but has also been critically recognized, including her representation of Britain at the 58th Venice Biennale and her receipt of the prestigious Maria Lassnig Prize.”
Rebecca Newell, Head of Art at the Imperial War Museums, also praised the project, noting that it brings to light the often overlooked aspects of conflict, allowing for a broader understanding and dialogue about war’s impact on human lives.
The exhibition is not just a display of new artworks but also a part of a broader public engagement strategy, including a series of events hosted by The Hunterian. These are designed to deepen the public’s connection to the themes explored in Wilkes’ work, enhancing community involvement and discussion around the artistic representations of war.
This thoughtful and challenging exhibition promises to offer insights into not only the artist’s personal experiences and historical influences but also the ways in which art can contribute to the understanding of complex global issues. Such ambitious undertakings may only grow rarer in the current funding crisis, so do pop along, and bring your friends. Not only will you enjoy some world-class art (probably, art is subjective after all), but just as importantly you will be demonstrating to the decision-makers that be that art has an audience.
Featured Image: Cathy Wilkes – (Untitled) – Courtesy of the Artist, MoMA PSI and The Modern Institute/Toby Webster Ltd. Photo by Pablo Enriquez
Exhibition Details
Venue: St. Aloysius Hall
Date:Â 12 May-22 May 2024
Admission: Free
Venue: Hunterian Art Gallery
Date:Â 7 June-29 September 2024
Admission: Free
