Dichotomy

Exhibition by two artists exploring the female.

An exhibition of the work by two artists with contrasting styles and mediums: painter Jaki Marshall and ceramicist Jen Donkin Gourley.
Jaki’s work explores the contradictions between ‘the public self’ and ‘the private self’ and the often conflicting roles and expectations of being female. She explores the impact of social media, tabloid press and the influence of ‘celebrity’ on the sense of ‘self’ and identity.
Through themes of the female form, body image, relationships and sexual imagery Jaki works mainly from the subconscious and reflects the external influences that shape us – sometimes without us even knowing. Her work explores mental health and its connection with body dysmorphia.
During the Covid pandemic Jaki began to explore the idea of ‘the uninvited guest’.
In its literal sense, this refers to covid, but it became a metaphorical term for mental health and how the ‘uninvited guest’ dwells within our own head. The isolation of lockdown amplified existing anxieties and self-doubt which both contribute to and hinder the creative process – almost to the point of defeat.

In total contrast to Jaki’s work Jen creates ceramic vessels which are controlled in their shape and surface decoration. Jen throws each vessel on the wheel then decorates them in vibrant colours, using the basic shapes and polka dots that she loves intuitively and instinctively.
Jen has always been fascinated by the history of women and how their lives and achievements are hidden from each new generation. Women’s bodies too are often seen as a site of shame, something to hide, something which can be controlled by others. In Jen’s most recent work she has been influenced by the petroglyphs of our female ancestors. These stone carvings often depict representations of the vagina and vulva which Jen has brought up to date in some of her vessels. Jen has created vessels which combine colour and the sense of woman.