I Am Her – Coventry – who, what, where, why

Step inside the magical Muniment Room at St Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry…

And you will find a collection of artworks by local artists from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. The I Am Her exhibition is inspired by International Women’s Day. In celebration of women, everywhere. The exhibition has been organised and curated by an amazing lady I am proud to call my friend! Laura Nyahuye. Founder of Maokwo.

Women leading the way…

This is the first time the Muniment Room at St Mary’s Guildhall has been used for an art exhibition. It was built in 1893 as a depository for Coventry’s most precious archives. However, it fell into disuse and has only just be reopened. What better way for it to be used? a mix of new cultures set against a historical backdrop. If you haven’t been yet then really try and find some time to go along before the closing date – Sunday 24th March.

Featured Local Artists

Laura has an amazing skill for bringing people together, with the help of Janet from Talking Birds they swiftly transformed the Muniment Room into something pretty darn spectacular! I know I am biased so I am basing this on the reviews we have been recieveing! For you to get an insight into the artists involved here are their bios, a selection of photos and a few quotes.

I Am Her – Laura Nyahuye

Artist, Designer, Storyteller, Creative writer, Community Activist and CEO at Maokwo. Laura makes body adornments that challenge perceptions connected with migration, women’s issues, marginalisation, and tokenism. Her message is that it is important to explore, learn and accept that it’s okay to be different and to embrace the fact that there is no need to blend in.

I am passionate about seeing beyond the challenges life throws at us. As women we have more to contend with from the outward appearnace to the day to day nitty gritty details of our life, living out our roles. There’s more and I believe it lies inside each and every woman. Tap into it. Overflow!

I Am Her –Namita Panchal

With a specialism in landscapes paintings and poetry, Namita studied visual arts at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India and is currently pursuing MA Painting at Coventry University. Her landscapes are inspired by the surrounding places where something is in the search. Like all humans in search of something and even she is in search of the dream. Painting is a way for Namita to express her gratitude for the beauty of God as gifted us, while her landscapes suggest something lying beyond, just as we are all searching for something. 

I Am Her –Michala Gyetvai

Essentially a fine artist who paints and sculpts with threads,  Michala stitches and layers her images in a complex variety of materials, employing both hand and machine techniques. Her work explores femininity, relationships, life and death, taking inspiration from historical painters, poets and composers. She writes poetry and often these poems become a title, which become a tangible reality when transformed into landscapes, either as drawings, paintings or stitched works.

My work explores femininity, relationships, life & death. I take inspiration from historical painters, poets & composers. I write poetry & often my poems become a title, showing a journey of thoughts emotional autobiographical layers which become a tangible reality.

@K

I Am Her –Jodie Hall

Currently a final year student in Fine Art at Coventry University, Jodie’s interest in  feminist literature has deeply influenced her studio practice to consider the contemporary woman’s mistreatment within society; and, specifically, the withstanding oppression of women within domestic households. She captures iconography of furniture and kitchen appliances, within the mediums of installation and ceramics, to create a thought provoking platform to raise awareness of these issues. 

I hope for my work to encourage viewers to envisage a way to establish a safer, fairer and more comfortable future for women within living environments.

I Am Her –Baljit Rayit

A self-taught mixed media artist from Coventry, Baljit uses art to portray messages of consciousness, compassion and strength. She is passionate about empowering her local community, championing diversity, seeking adventure and promoting environmental sustainability. She loves using art as an expressive tool and will paint on anything from denim to canvas.

Flow represents the depth and spirit of a woman. Koi are often admired for their endurance and perserverance in the face of adversity. This piece is a celebration of these very defining characteristics found within every mother, sister and friend.

I Am Her –Saba Zahid

Born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, Saba is currently completing her MA in Painting at Coventry University. Her paintings revolve around the female figure, with the subjects in her work mainly inspired by family members and friends. Her art speaks of the individual identity of women in her society and women in general, aiming to depict her subject’s story by adding different environments and objects in her paintings.

I see her every day. I see her as a mother, a daughter, a maid, a business woman, a grandmother. She has so many rolesand yet she hides behind so many roles that her individuality fades away. However, their silhouettes still signifies that whatever role she is in, she makes it her own.

I Am Her –Ryan C.L. Hart

Currently studying a BA in Fine art at Coventry University, Ryan’s work to the exhibition pays homage to the neoclassical Sculptor Mary Edmonia Lewis. Born in the early 1840’s to an African American father and Native American Mother, she became a beautiful example of strength and determination despite the numerous burdens that she carried throughout her lifetime. Her work, which featured themes of freedom and famous abolitionists, led her to achieve international fame and recognition in the Fine Art world.

I Am Her -Tayyibah Mota

Currently studying for a BA Fine Arts BA Degree at Coventry University, latelyTayyibah’s work has been influenced by her involvement with the Positive Youth Foundation, and the City of CultureTrust. Her art centres on identity, in particular what it means to be British, Indian and Muslim, and these themes have manifested into a body of work which this year called ‘Being Muslim”. 

I Am Her -Zoey

Originally from Zimbabwe, Zoey is a Fine Art student at Coventry University. Her art is focussed on how ancient civilizations, especially those of Egypt and Greece, used mathematics and architecture for religious expression.

and me…I Am Her – Melissa Smith

I discovered my artistic purpose after being diagnosed with a rare spinal condition. Doodling helps me to refocus my mind away from my chronic pain and anxiety. Because of this I am passionate about sharing the benefits creativity can have on a person’s health, wellbeing, connections and happiness. And I am on a mission to help others to explore their creativity. You can read more about why I love getting creative.

A HUGE THANK YOU

If it wasn’t for Laura this exhibition wouldn’t have happened, so a HUGE BIG UP to an extremeley talented lady who is an inspiration to many!

A round up of the latest tweets

Check out the #IAmHer Coventry Wakelet for a round up of the latest tweets. Simply scroll to see more…