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Women in Revolt Exhibition Visit
This week, I visited the Women in Revolt exhibition, which profoundly impacted me. The works on display directly and unapologetically confronted the systemic oppression of women throughout history while celebrating their bravery and resilience in the face of such challenges.
One standout piece captured the physical transformation of women during pregnancy. The artist photographed the evolving shapes of pregnant bellies, arranged in a sequence from early pregnancy to full term. These images were presented as a powerful visual metaphor, evoking a sense of awe and reverence for the sacrifices women make in the process of childbirth. To me, these shapes resembled the phases of the moon—starting as crescents and culminating in a radiant full moon—symbolizing the cyclical beauty and strength of women.
Another compelling piece was a conceptual work focusing on Karl Marx’s wife. The artist depicted her meticulously wiping away the labels associated with Marx, such as thinker and revolutionary, but leaving the label man stained and impossible to erase. This artwork resonated deeply, shedding light on the persistent gender inequality that reduces women to their associations with men, even when they possess their own strength and significance.
Visit to the Scottish National Gallery
I also visited the Scottish National Gallery this week, where I encountered a painting heavily influenced by Impressionism. This particular piece stood out to me for its portrayal of trees, which demonstrated a remarkable sense of visual rhythm and design.
The artist used bold outlines for the trunks and foliage, giving the trees a flat yet striking aesthetic that bordered on abstraction. The interplay of color was exquisite, with vibrant hues enhancing the sense of movement and light. The treatment of these natural elements felt modern and intentional, foreshadowing techniques often seen in graphic design today.
Initial Ideas for Home Poster
Lastly, I began experimenting with ideas for my home poster project. This exercise involved limiting my use of colors and exploring various typographic arrangements. My chosen theme is inspired by the dormitory I return to every day, which has become my haven here in Scotland. Interestingly, the dormitory was previously a church, and its architectural details reflect this history.
The heavy wooden door, with its textured grain and small mail slot, became the centerpiece of my concept. Above the slot, there’s an inscription that reads: Blessed be the hand that giveth in the name of the Lord. This detail, combined with the overall atmosphere of the space, evokes a sense of sanctuary and continuity.