Gemma Parker & Layla Sailor Exhibition

Working with transgender muse Grace Oni Smith, artist Gemma Parker presents a new portrait inspired by the asthetic of Pre-Raphaelite artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

Rossetti’s hyper-sensual paintings of women with strong, prominent features contested the diminutive and fragile vision of femininity idealised by the Victorians. In a series of chalk studies and a subsequent final portrait, Parker and Smith follow Rossetti’s example to champion an empowered, contemporary woman.

Layla Sailor presents images from her continuing Kokoshnik series, which explores traditional crafts, religious iconography and subverted female iconography. Initially beginning as experiments with pattern design, the portraits have developed into a celebration of the beauty of iconography. They also open a dialogue about the use of the strong female iconography in politics and religion, and the reaction this can provoke.

Come along to the bar for the informal launch of Gemma Parker and Layla Sailor’s new exhibitions, from 6:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday 31 July.

All work is for sale. Please speak to Box Office staff for information.