Mystery and Magic
Showing at The Bowery Visual Arts, 54 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds
12th April - 24th June 2024
https://www.thebowery.org/
12th April - 24th June 2024
https://www.thebowery.org/
This collection of works titled ‘Mystery and Magic’ explores feminism and spirituality from the perspective of contemporary witchcraft. Following a pagan path rooted in European folklore and folk magic, contemporary witchcraft is a way of experiencing the natural rhythms and cycles of the world, and the connections between all things. Focussing on the maid, the mother and the crone archetypes as symbols of the stages of women's experience these works reflect on the cycles of time and nature tied to their bodies. A limited colour palette of white, red and black reflects ancient associations with these stages in the feminine cycle. Links to the goddesses of British folklore serve as a reminder that women have the power to resist in a society which seeks to objectify and control them.
The archetype of the witch can be seen as a symbol of non-conforming women considered dangerous by society - the witch has power, otherwise why would she be feared? Contemporary witchcraft and paganism have come to be seen by some as feminist symbols of defiance in the face of oppression, a potential way of empowering oneself and influencing the world. Through radical witchcraft and magical activism the modern witch can use performative, symbolic or actual magical practice in response to and in defence against oppression. Both witchcraft and feminine craft skills offer the ability to make something out of raw materials, the ability to bring something into being, using energy to create change. Like the women who have traditionally used them, artforms such as embroidery and crochet have been marginalised as ‘crafts’ for old ladies in order to diminish them. Considered lesser because of its connotations with domestic function, ‘craft’ can become an act of subversion.
The archetype of the witch can be seen as a symbol of non-conforming women considered dangerous by society - the witch has power, otherwise why would she be feared? Contemporary witchcraft and paganism have come to be seen by some as feminist symbols of defiance in the face of oppression, a potential way of empowering oneself and influencing the world. Through radical witchcraft and magical activism the modern witch can use performative, symbolic or actual magical practice in response to and in defence against oppression. Both witchcraft and feminine craft skills offer the ability to make something out of raw materials, the ability to bring something into being, using energy to create change. Like the women who have traditionally used them, artforms such as embroidery and crochet have been marginalised as ‘crafts’ for old ladies in order to diminish them. Considered lesser because of its connotations with domestic function, ‘craft’ can become an act of subversion.
Cast a Circle I Cast a Circle II Cast a Circle III
Thread, paper 41cm x 41cm Thread, paper 41cm x 41cm Thread, paper 41cm x 41cm
£450 (framed) £450 (framed) SOLD
Thread, paper 41cm x 41cm Thread, paper 41cm x 41cm Thread, paper 41cm x 41cm
£450 (framed) £450 (framed) SOLD
Brigid Morrigan Cerridwen
Pen, thread, paper, hoop 35.5cm diameter Pen, thread, paper, hoop 41cm diameter Pen, thread, paper, hoop 41 cm diameter
£400 £400 £400
Pen, thread, paper, hoop 35.5cm diameter Pen, thread, paper, hoop 41cm diameter Pen, thread, paper, hoop 41 cm diameter
£400 £400 £400
Waxing and Waning Perspectives Loop
Thread, paper 41cm x 41cm Thread, paper 41cm x 41cm Thread, paper 41cm x 41cm
£450 (framed) £450 (framed) £450 (framed)
Thread, paper 41cm x 41cm Thread, paper 41cm x 41cm Thread, paper 41cm x 41cm
£450 (framed) £450 (framed) £450 (framed)
In Bloom Magic Circle Abundance
Merino wool felt, cotton, 11cm x 20cm x 14cm Cotton, paper, hoop 25.5cm diameter Buddha seed pod, cotton 10cm x 12cm x 10cm
£300 £350 NFS
Merino wool felt, cotton, 11cm x 20cm x 14cm Cotton, paper, hoop 25.5cm diameter Buddha seed pod, cotton 10cm x 12cm x 10cm
£300 £350 NFS
Coven Vision Seer
Charcoal, paper, hoop 46cm diameter Pen, paper, cotton 12.5cm x 21cm Cotton, bamboo paper, hoop cm diameter
£180 £180 £225
Charcoal, paper, hoop 46cm diameter Pen, paper, cotton 12.5cm x 21cm Cotton, bamboo paper, hoop cm diameter
£180 £180 £225
Fragile Unity Field of Vision
Perforation, thread, paper 19cm x 19cm Photomontage, thread, paper 21cm x 21cm Perforation, thread, paper 21.5cm x 21.5cm
NFS NFS £225 (framed)
Perforation, thread, paper 19cm x 19cm Photomontage, thread, paper 21cm x 21cm Perforation, thread, paper 21.5cm x 21.5cm
NFS NFS £225 (framed)
Cailleach I Cailleach II Cailleach III
Charcoal, thread, khadi paper 30cm x 30cm Charcoal, thread, khadi paper 30cm x 30cm Charcoal, thread, khadi paper 30cm x 30cm
£350 (framed) £350 (framed) £350 (framed)
Charcoal, thread, khadi paper 30cm x 30cm Charcoal, thread, khadi paper 30cm x 30cm Charcoal, thread, khadi paper 30cm x 30cm
£350 (framed) £350 (framed) £350 (framed)
Talisman I The World Inside Out Talisman II
Thread, paper 16cm x 30cm x 5cm Merino wool felt 22cm x 22cm x 18cm Thread, paper 23cm x 18cm x 3cm
£180 (unframed) £175 £225 (framed) £
Thread, paper 16cm x 30cm x 5cm Merino wool felt 22cm x 22cm x 18cm Thread, paper 23cm x 18cm x 3cm
£180 (unframed) £175 £225 (framed) £