Untether gallery hosts powerful exhibitions for International Women’s Day

GEELONG’S newest art gallery Untether Gallery + Studio will host dual exhibitions celebrating women for the next two weeks, to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.

Titled Women of Impact, the first of the exhibitions will feature a selection of portraits of local women who have been recognised for their contribution and impact on their communities.

Gallery owner Jennifer Cromarty said the exhibition was inspired by her personal interest in gender equity and supporting women, as well as the powerful portraiture work of local artists Janne Kearney and Vicki Clissold.

Portraits of Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles and Wergaia and Wemba Wemba artist Kelly Koumalatsos are among the works included in the exhibition, as well as two pieces of Geelong MP Christine Couzens, which were painted by Ms Cromarty.

The Women of Impact exhibition series will be complimented by an artistic showcase, produced in conjunction with St John of God, that explores the perinatal experience, or the period of time between becoming pregnant and up to a year after giving birth.

Pieces range in subject from birth and motherhood to the experience of trauma and the journey through IVF.

This exhibition, titled The Art of Motherhood, celebrates the work of ten artists who have participated in an arts therapy group run as part of St John of God’s Raphael service.

“This service supports the mental health of any parent in the community who is experiencing the challenges of the perinatal period,” Ms Cromarty said.

She said the project aimed to elevate the work of these artists and start a discussion in the community about the different and varied experiences women face during this period of their lives.

“Hopefully its appealing to everyone, but obviously it’s very targeted towards the female experience.”

Ms Cromarty said honouring and recognising women is the underlying theme of both exhibitions, which opened yesterday (Thursday, February 27) and will remain on display until International Women’s Day.

“In the art world – it really goes back eons – women weren’t recognised as artists and still today, the majority of work in the really big galleries is dominated by male works,” she said.

“That is changing in more modern times, but I think it’s really important that women artists are supported and recognised for the incredible work they do.”

For more information, head to untethergallery.com.au