SOUL fury

By Clare Needham, Curator, Bendigo Art Gallery

This August, Bendigo Art Gallery presents SOUL fury in collaboration with Nur Shkembi, independent curator and scholar of contemporary Islamic art. Centering the self-defining creative voices of 16 female artists from across the world, this premier exhibition traces points of connection across a global conversation in feminism and contemporary art. Resonating with the universal call for increased visibility of the creative practices and diverse perspectives of female artists, SOUL fury spotlights the contributions of leading Australian and international artists who are reimagining the possibilities of contemporary art practice now and into the future. Featured artworks reflect the unique interests, artistic expression and social conditions of artists across diverse geographical locations, spiritual perspectives and cultural traditions. Together, they highlight the breadth and complexity of the lived experience of women in the current social and political climate. SOUL fury brings together works from artists’ studios as well

ABOVE: Hadieh Shafie working in her New York studio, 2021. Image courtesy of the Artist and Yavuz Gallery. Photography by Robert J. Fagan

LEFT: Naiza Khan, Armour Suit for Rani of Jhansi II 2017, galvanised steel, feathers, leather. Collection of Paul and Saadia Durham. Image courtesy of the Artist and Rossi & Rossi, Hong Kong | London. Photography by Charlie Bettinson

BELOW: Mehwish Iqbal, Seven Seas 2017, collagraph on Japanese paper. Image courtesy of the Artist. Photography by Mim Sterling

as loans from private and major public collections, including Queensland Art Gallery’s Gallery of Modern Art and the Art Gallery of NSW, spanning sculpture, installation, photography, painting, ceramics, video and textiles. Featured artists include: Anida Yoeu Ali, Cigdem Aydemir, Hoda Afshar, Idil Abdullahi, Mehwish Iqbal, Eugenia Flynn, Naiza Khan, Nusra Latif Qureshi, Ayesha Sultana, Shadi Ghadirian, Hadieh Shafie, Shireen Taweel, Zahra Imani, Zeina Iaali, Shahzia Sikander and Adeela Suleman. Hoda Afshar began her career as a documentary photographer in her birthplace of Iran before moving to Australia in 2007. In her Pop Art style, tongue-in-cheek portrait series Under Western Eyes (2013-2014), Afshar combines “familiar signs of Islamic identity to challenge the dominant representations of Islamic women that circulate in Western art galleries”, perpetuated by the expectations and desires of audiences. Armour Suit for Rani of Jhansi II (2017) is a striking sculptural work by UK and Pakistan-based artist Naiza Khan, reflecting her interest in notions of female heroism as seen in both contemporary and historical forms of female resistance. This work pays homage to Rani of Jhansi, who fought the British colonial forces in the First War of Independence in 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny. To Khan, the contrast of hard and soft materials “carry a duality of strength and vulnerability within female identity”.

Zahra Imani, work in progress, Raqs no.2 2016. Image courtesy of the Artist. Photography by Farhad Yasavoli

Hoda Afshar, Westoxicated #7 (from the Under Western Eyes series) 2013-14, archival pigment print. Image courtesy of the Artist and Milani Gallery Shireen Taweel work in progress, tracing transcendence 2020, pierced copper. Image courtesy of the Artist.

Shireen Taweel, tracing transcendence (detail) 2018, pierced copper. Image courtesy of the Artist. Photography by Matthew Stanton

Pakistan-born, Australian-based artist Mehwish Iqbal’s Seven Seas and Last Prayer (both made in 2017) speak to the global phenomenon of migration and the refugee experience, evoking sentiments of trauma and loss while exploring the impact of forced separation from familiar environments, as well as personal and familial identity and ritual. Lebanese-Australian artist Shireen Taweel utilises traditional copper-smithing techniques to create sculptural forms that are delicately embellished with repeating patterns. In tracing transcendence (2018-2021), these forms are combined with light and sound to create an immersive installation charting the history of Australia’s mosques, dating back to Islamic cameleers in the mid-1800s, and imagining sacred and non-secular spaces into the future. In a suite of large-scale, hand-sewn wall hangings, pieced together from domestic fabrics sourced at local bazaars, Iranian artist Zahra Imani illustrates private and shared moments of intimacy and solidarity between women with wry wit and shrewd political and social reflection. SOUL fury guest curator Nur Shkembi has produced and curated over 150 events, exhibitions and community engagement projects, and was part of the core team that established the Islamic Museum of Australia. Nur is currently undertaking a PhD in the Department of Art History at the University of Melbourne. A suite of artist-led workshops, talks and a panel discussion will accompany SOUL fury. Bookings and more information via Bendigo Art Gallery’s website. Exhibition dates: August 7 to October 24, 2021.

Colin, Marianne, Jade and Kellie Cuskelly Daisy Pratt-White, Esta Fountain, Maggie Alice, Lincoln Cottingham and Thomas S. Jackson

Grace Measor, Liam Duivenvoorden and Yasmin Russell Jessica, Cody and Georgia

Megan Hooley and Tayla Stringer Zali, Andie, Tara and Sam Muscatello

The creative talents of regional residents drew a supportive crowd to the 2021 RAW Arts Awards Presentation and Showcase at The Capital theatre.

The awards celebrate young artists, writers, performers and film makers, with this year’s winners excited to be acknowledged: Lilly Skipper (visual arts), Jobe Thomson (literature), Leroy Miller (digital media) and Jade Cuskelly (performing arts).