2019 entries

Here we display pictures of the exhibits including the artist’s comment for all the pieces submitted to the competition in no particular order.

Spectrum of Religiosity

Georgia M. de Buriatte – Hand bound red leather book, printed on bible paper. Demographic graph printed on acetate

De Buriatte as an artist focuses on back engineering ethnographic research she conducts into art pieces. She believes the art world ought to be viewed through a more academic lens; as such she develops multisensory pieces members of the public can interact with to bridge the gap between elitist art and academia, and general gallery attendance.

Spectrum of religiosity (and the accompanying demographic) deals with the taboo of religion in a series of phenomenological interviews.

Since graduating with a Fine Art degree in 2018, de Buriatte has focused her work on education and outreach. She attempts to bring the ability to create to wider audiences ages 2 and up, to show the public how accessible having a creative practice really is. She attempts to do this best by working partially freelance, but also alongside multiple universities and schools, knitting together academic art, and the public in every possible way.

 

The past is a Foreign Country

Nicki Clarkson – Knitted yarn

The piece is inspired by Dr Charlotte Lydia Riley, Lecturer in Twentieth-Century British History at the University of Southampton. It is 140 stitches long (the original Tweet character length), contains a quote from Dr Riley (on Twitter as @lottelydia), has a #pinkpussyhat and space left blank for #mansplaning

By day I am a Research Engagement Librarian helping researchers make their journal articles open access. By night I am an embarrassing parent, lover of baking, Cubs leader and foster carer for small furries. Find me on Twitter @Nicki_SotonLib.

 

 

Untitled (Tower: extract from art [    ] the flame desire ignites, burning down the house originally conceived for Goldsmiths Special Collections and Archive)

Zeppa Maude – Sculpture: Plasterboard, plaster, paint, horsehair, oak, boxwood; Photograph: Sliver gelatin print

The philosopher Luce Irigaray has described a “house of language” requiring demolition, for the eradication of systemic patriarchy in Western culture and the accomplishment of the “ecstatic destiny of humanity”, in sexual difference. To this end, she invokes, amongst other things, the energy of desire and the mediation of art. Her remarkable work has catalysed a feminist reorientation in mine.

My work is a symptom of a culture speech impediment afflicting humanity.

 

NAWOJKA [na’voika]

Roza Kalkowska and Teresa Kalkowska – Paper, collage, paints

The inspiration was a legend of Nawojka – the first female student of Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland.

Roza Kalkowska (5.5 yrs) is studying in Reception Class in Springhill Catholic Primary School. She loves dancing, drawing and reading. Teresa Kalkowska (4 yrs) will start big school in September. She loves bunnies, cats, dancing and books.

 

 

 

Growths

Barbara Touati-Evans – Crocheted wool, wire

This installation highlights growing as invaluable female work using the traditionally female craft of crochet. It celebrates two female academics: Preeti Prasannan, PhD student and Dr Sandrine Willaime-Morawek (supervisor), Associate Professor in Stem Cells and Neurobiology at the University of Southampton. Their research involves growing neuronal cells to develop 3D model of Alzheimer’s disease.

I am an artist who works primarily with wool and crochet to create installations of a sensory and interactive nature. I am attracted to neuroscience as a lot of the vocabulary and images relate to wool and fibers. I will be involved in a longer-term project exploring Alzheimer’s disease called Detangling The Knots.

 

Coccolithophore

J Masson – PLA and resin

I was part of group of artists working on an ACE funded project at the Winchester Science centre, on the theme of chalk forming plankton called Coccolithophores.

Dr Samantha Gibbs, Ocean and Earth Science, Noc Southampton, was instrumental in advising us and providing up to date research material on these creatures and their role in the Carbon cycle of our planet.

I am an artist based in Southampton; I work in various mediums such as painting, video and 3D printing. As an artist, I wish to participate in very dynamic dialogue between technology, science and the arts. I collaborated with scientists on several art projects often exploring new fusions of technological and traditional artistic approaches.

Looking out from back deck

Tabitha Pearman – Acrylic on board

This work was inspired by my experience of working in offshore survey and research.  When I first went to the sea I was routinely the only women aboard as 40 strong crew. In addition to daily tasks, a substantial amount of effort went into obtaining the crew’s respect. Looking out off the back deck would offer an opportunity for some time out.

I am a postgraduate researcher at the National Oceanography Centre researching cold-water corals that occur in the deep sea. Prior to this I worked in offshore survey.

As the daughter of a fisherman, growing up in a rural Cornwall academic expectations were always low so now I volunteer to raise academic aspirations of rural children in Cornwall.

 

Over one and a half centuries later…

Dr. Ramesh Vahidi – Prefabricated resin running trophies, PVC Drawing figure mannequin pieces, acrylic, wooden board, invisible thread, stone, clear glue.

There is no lack of literature and real stories on gender biases/gaps in academia. One would wonder if we should be where we are ‘now’, specifically in this profession! The installation illustrates instances of lived experiences of such bias(es), specifically in the levels of provided feedback, encouragement, support and inclusion, leading to ‘opportunities gap’ at some point(s) of one’s career with increasing impacts while climbing up the ladder.

Genderless invitation: Let’s make the running pleasant and fruitful for all!

An academic and ex-practitioner in project management (PM) area, with initial backgrounds in engineering. Arts, in general, drawing and painting, in particular, have been my passions since I remember, though have rarely had enough time and opportunities to practice enough. The little I have learned from arts so far has considerably affected my understanding of projects and approaches to teaching and research! I never thought, I would use the visual, liberating and expressive language of arts in an exhibition with this particular theme…was a great experience, opportunity and enjoyment!

 

Women in academia – it’s a complicated but rewarding journey!

William Comper age 4 (Jessica Comper mother submitting) – Display mannequin torso on stand

I explained to my son about my career in academia, from studying Biomedical Science at University to working in laboratories, and the importance of education. My son then told me what he thinks makes a good teacher, scientist and mum! Together, we put his words and ideas in to this sculpture. Being a woman in academia isn’t easy, but really rewarding!

I am working towards my MBA whilst working part-time at the University of Southampton. I am married with two beautiful sons who keep me very busy. My eldest is 4 years old and we really enjoyed making this sculpture together. My interests are sewing, studying for my MBA and most importantly having fun with my family.

 

Infinite Improbability

Victoria Aragon – Animation

 

This work is inspired in the lives of women that surround me. I wanted to show the many faces of a career in Academia and life as a woman; things that are difficult, things that are amazing, things that should change and things that I am proud of.

I am a researcher in the field of sustainability and energy at the University of Southampton. Originally from Argentina, I have been living in the UK for 5 years; here I started my academic career. From time to time I do some sketching, mostly about people I love and of course, dogs.

 

The song of the phoenix

Cindy Brooks – Mixed media

The song of the phoenix is a dialogic piece, evoking the creator’s perception and response to the theme of women in academia, whilst inviting the viewer to bring their own interpretations and meanings of the subject through the conceptual narrative(s) within the piece.

I am an academic health researcher and mixed media artist. I am a member of local art clubs and regularly present my artwork online. I enjoy using a range of concepts and media to create artwork, the process usually exploratory, but upon completion, often depicting a narrative.

 

Emotional Labour

Cat Morgan – Mixed media on canvas

 My worked is inspired by the disproportionate amount of emotional labour that women in academia are expected to do compared to men. Women in academia are held to a different standard and expected to take on more, to be more; available, kind, nice, generous, flexible, likable, helpful. Yet this additional work is not respected in a system that rewards leadership behaviours, rather than caring and compassionate ones. All of this takes time and energy, leaving women less able to focus on their work, impacting on their career, mental health, and financial position.

I am a PhD student at the University of Southampton, studying feminism and social media.

 

The Faces of Success

Rebecca Clements – Watercolour on watercolour paper

Does appearance dictate academic success for women? It may be the 21^st Century, but are we still in need of change? Being the first female Nobel Prize receiver, Marie Curie provides a fitting example. Judgement is undeniable, but there is right behaviour. Imagine the world today if she had not fought against judgement. Disclaimer: Always wear protection when dealing with chemicals!

I am a chemistry PhD student at the University of Southampton. I spent my undergraduate years here, studying for a Master’s in Chemistry with Math. I am now writing software to model molecules; predicting properties and reactivity. After this, I plan to go wherever my research takes me, with interests in art, fashion and community action on the side.

 

An Empowering Exegesis: Amina Wadud, Islam, and Women

Ulfat Islam – Canvas and accompanying poem on laminated paper

This work was principally inspired by my most recently studied history module, which explored Islam and ‘Islamism’ in the modern period. It was through this module that I encountered Amina Wadud – an American Muslim philosopher and feminist jurisprudent of the Qur’an – and her academic and public work that seeks to challenge patriarchal notions of and traditions within Islam.

I am an English and History undergraduate student at the University of Southampton, approaching my final year of undergraduate study. As a local Southampton resident, I have always embraced the city’s many cultural outlets and opportunities, so this exciting event and John Hansard instantly spoke to me.

 

Hands full

Jade Levell – Acrylics

I started PhD with a one year-old and then went on to have twin’s mid-way through.

As exhausted as I am, I also find researching/lecturing and parenting at the same time very fulfilling. In this picture I wanted to represent holding the book and holding my children at once, with the wings representing the immense time of personal growth.

I have been working as a visiting lecturer at Southampton University (Criminology/Sociology) in 2018/19. I am currently completing a PhD at The Open University. I have three children and live in New Forest. I am interested in sewing crafting, travel, feminist activism and scuba diving.

 

Masterstroke

Bobbi Moore – Pen on paper

My work is inspired by women who are determined to make a difference and willing to ‘swim through uncharted territory, strong currents and changing tides’ to reach their destination. A woman in academia who inspires me is Dr Sylvia Earle an oceanographer, marine biologist and conservationist who has changed the way we view and protect our oceans.

I’m from Sydney, Australia and having grown up on the harbour love swimming in the sea. In my spare time I love to hang out with my kids and help them to learn and grow in fun creative ways, keep fit and healthy and get out and explore new things.

 

Forgotten Parts

Suki Finn – Canvas with natural plants, human hair, and menstrual blood 

This piece was inspired by the ERC- funded project ‘Better Understanding the Metaphysics of Pregnancy’, led by Dr Elseljin Kingma, University of Southampton. Imagery of pregnancy often represents the foetus as an already separate baby growing inside the women, where males contribute seed and females contribute environment. This piece challenges such conceptions and reminds us of fetal-maternal intertwinement through depicting forgotten parts of the pregnant female: placenta and umbilical cord.

Dr Suki Finn is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Philosophy at the University of Southampton. She works with the Society for Women in Philosophy to improve the climate for underrepresented groups in academia. In her spare time, she creates electronic ambient music, and is signed to Universal and Ninja Tune Production Music. For more info, see: www.sukifiin.com

 

“Lend a hand to the women around you – together we will reach the stars!”

Kirsten Revell – Paper

‘By taking a stand,

And lending a hand,

To women before, beside and behind,

We’ll bring in a new feminine paradigm,

So we all can go far,

And reach the highest stars”

Kirsten Revell has always relished working with paper and I currently persuing communicating society themes through traditionally decorative mediums. Kirsten has embraced the academic experience having gained 2 degrees, and a doctorate abd currently works as a Research Fellow in Human Factors Engineering at the University of Southampton. She is passionate about encouraging diversity abd equality in the typically male dominated domains she has worked in such as It, Engineering, Automotive and Aviation.

 

“The Eyes Of Her Who Is Glorified Here Below Turned To The Starry Heavens”

Hannah Penlington – Watercolour paint and white ink pen

This illustration was inspired by Caroline Herschel (17.50 – 1848), a German astronomer who discovered 2400 astronomical objects in her life time. She is considered as the first professional female astronomer working alongside her brother William.

To show her achievement, I have represented each of her astronomical findings as starts, planets and comets.

Hi my name is Hannah!

I love drawing and painting especially flowers and all things magical. I have several different styles, including bright bold flowers using acrylic paints, ink and pen work for my characters and using thick paint. When I am not busy painting, I like to bake, read a good book or hide under a blanket especially when it is cold outside. I love winter, and everything that comes with the season – snow, Christmas, winter themed coffee, warm jumpers and my favourite slippers. I was born in 1988 on the Isle of Wight, grew up in Wales and now live in Southampton in my little house. I studied art at Winchester School Of Art and I have had success with displaying and selling my work.

 

Changing faces / Changing places

Joan McGavin & Karen Jane Cannon – Two framed poems with accompanying audio recordings.

Karen said this about Joan: Joan is a fellow mature student studying at University of Southampton. As former Hampshire Poet, she has been a huge inspiration through her brilliant poetry, but also through her support of my project, and as a new student, making me feel connected and included.

Joan said this about Karen: Karen is a fellow mature student studying at University of Southampton. Knowing there is someone else doing a Poetry Ph.D. gladdened me, and I was especially thrilled when I heard about her fantastic project and read her inspiring eco-poetry celebrating and defending the New Forest.

Karen Jane Cannon is a poet and author living in the New Forest National Park. She is a creative Ph.D candidate at the University of Southampton, writing a collection of Eco elegies about the New Forest, a study of the connections between poetry and place.

Joan McGavin is a poet and teacher (and a grandmother) living in Southampton. After a long career teaching English and Creative writing at Sixth-form and university level, and with two full poetry collections in print, she decided it was time to become a student again.

 

I am woman

Dr. Bahareh Zaghari – Oil painting

When I was a child my dad took me to a calligraphy course, where people also learnt painting. He did not like the fact that I wanted to paint and he told me that if I want to become an academic or a writer I need to learn how to write but I was so keen on learning how to paint. This paint is a combination of painting and calligraphy and I would like to dedicate it to my teacher who told me that never let’s anything to stop you from your passion and secretly taught me painting for a few weeks until my dad found this and moved me from the course.

Bahareh Zaghari is a Research Fellow in the school of Electronics and Computer Science. She completed her MSc and PhD at the University of Southampton in the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) in the School of Engineering. Bahareh is currently researching energy harvesting techniques for smart systems. Outside of academia, Bahareh is interested in astronomy, and the observation of celestial events. Bahareh also applies her experimental prowess as a keen baker, where she creates different cake and pie recipes.

 

Fractured Images

Su White – Mixed media, collage on canvas

Embarking on an academic career as a mature student and even more mature post grad this work reflects a fragment of my own experienced and observed realities. We live behind a mask sometimes on our own, sometimes that is projected upon us by others.

I am an interdisciplinary academic, a small, female, interdisciplinary academic…working in an area where women are outnumbered by men 10:1 – and although it is not long since I was an early career researcher, I am much closer to ‘retirement’ than graduation.

 

Here’s to the WayFinders

Sarah Fielding – Poetry written by the artist and printed onto canvas with am iStock image background.

This work is a tribute to all women in academia (and outside it). Inspired by ancient Polynesian Way Finders, who navigated vast ocean distances using their senses and knowledge passed through generations, this poem highlights ways that women navigate through academia. Whilst every journey is unique, it does not have to be undertaken alone. Background artwork courtesy of iStock.

I have a PhD in Earch Sciences and have worked as a science communicator, learning support tutor and am now a Learning Designer in Digital Learning. I am a mum to a 7 year old and a 5 year old. I am one of those who struck out into the ‘great unknown’ and learned to love the journey.

 

Collage 1, Collage 2, Collage 3

Amanda Kent – Paper, pastel, graphite 

Creative response to a course about disability in the past called ‘Damned, Deviant or Divine’ delivered by archaeologist Dr Stephanie Evelyn-Wright via University of Southampton Dept. of Lifelong learning. Attending the course was a reminder that archaeology and collage both compose from a collection of different materials.

Amanda Kent lives and works in Southampton. She has an interest in collage, mixed media painting and creative writing.

 

The icing on the cake of a career in nursing

Annabel Smoker and Jackie Phillips – Celebration iced cake and piping bag, book and 2 x glass framed photographs

 This work blends the culinary and literary skills of two academics in Health Sciences at the University of Southampton. Both registered nurses and lectures in adult nursing who have worked closely together for 20 years, Jackie’s cake celebrates the publication of Annabel’s first book “Launching your Career in Nursing and Midwifery” in 2017.

Drawing on years’ of experience as Employability Lead for Health Sciences, my book helps students prepare for their first post as qualified practitioners. The title reflects my passion for sailing. Jackie, my colleague and friend is the most talented cook and creator of the perfect “icing on my cake”!

 

Looking beyond

Sara Johnson – Acrylic paint

Valentina Tershkova – 1963 became the first woman in space who orbited Earth 48 times. I find the story of Valentina really inspiring because even after orbiting space her focus was still looking far beyond to the limits of human travel and despite now being in her late 80’s still wants to travel to Mars.

“Once you’ve been in space you appreciate how small and fragile earth is”.

I am a PhD student currently studying gerontology and work for a community mental health team. In my leisure time I enjoy painting, reading and looking at the skies! I enjoy photography.

 

Inside My Head (Lines)

Joy Richardson – Mixed Media on Canvas – Collage, Acetate, Markers, Watercolour and Acrylic paint

My identity as a Women in Academia is expressed through layers. The bottom layer shows me represented in the press. The second layer is self-identify including passions, sexuality and chronic illnesses. The third layer are things which my friends identify with me. The final layer is a self-portrait, my physical identity as revealed to the world.

I worked as an experimental support technician in the Human Factors Engineering team, this mostly involves running studies and analysing the results. I am also studying for a part- time Ph.D looking at Human Factors in sport. In my spare time, I enjoy running but my main passion in Roller Derby, I love skating but I also Bench Coach for my team, Southampton City Rollers. I live in Southampton with my fiancée and house rabbit.

 

Women’s Work

Jill Laudett – Digital Video

Watching recent footage of protests for action on Climate Breakdown, I was not surprised at the many girls and women present. Searching online for ‘women and climate change’ revealed a huge number of women academics. Women are good at solving problems! – this needs to be more widely acknowledged.

Visual artist interested in exploring contemporary issues, and, the everywhere present, human capabilities of creative problem solving, critical thinking and repair.

 

Artist in science

Maria Priestley – Mixed media – acrylic on canvas, paper, moss, glass bead, wooden frame

The theme made me think of the feminine in relation to the masculine. Together, these energies have a creative potential that requires balance within ourselves and the collaborative activities that are part of academic work. My artwork reflects a process of harnessing diverse and potentially conflicting elements for positive transformation.

I grew up in a creative family and wanted to be an artist for most of my life. Through the encouragement of my academic mentors, I later discovered a love for scientific research. My thanks go to all people (female, male and non-binary) who inspire and support the journeys of women in academia.

 

Women In Academia: Dynamic, Tenacious, Exponent (x15)

Hazel Corvin – Inkjet on card, card, felt, embroidery thread

The original concept for this zine came from observing interactions on social media with women in academia positions, and the condescending, sexist and derogatory abuse they field on a daily basis- but when investigating further, I discovered similar disturbing provocations happen within academic structures themselves. I have shared these here.

Hazel is a full time artist, working from her studio at the Arches Studios in Southampton. As a multidisciplinary practitioner, she works with visually expressed autobiographical narrative, and its impact on holistic wellbeing. Hazel’s current practice focuses on the process of zine making as a tool for psychological health.

 

No (wo)man’s land

Dawn-Marie Walker – Books and paper

The pressure women in academia feel when they are held high up in the ‘ivory tower’ (to be in an ivory tower is not to know about, or to want to avoid, the ordinary things that happen in people’s lives) but suppressed under the ‘glass ceiling’ (an unacknowledged discriminatory barrier that prevents women and minorities from rising to positions of power or responsibility).

I am a female academic. I teach statistics in a School of Health Sciences which is predominantly female. My area of research is mental health. I feel very fortunate that I love my job and find it fulfilling. I am also a single foster carer for a wonderful teenage girl. Interests? If you read the former you will realise I don’t have much time for these!

 

Boxes of Science

Dr. Jennifer V Mecking – Scrap bits of paper from the desks of female scientists around the National Oceanography Centre

This work was inspired by the pieces of scrap paper that accumulate on our desks over time. These bits of paper represent pieces of everyday lives of scientists, whether its working out some equations, a draft piece of writing, print outs of figures, tables of data, etc. Each cube represents a different female scientist from around my building and they interlock to show that in some ways we all work together.

After finishing school, I studied applied mathematics at the University of Waterloo in Canada where I developed an interest in ocean modelling. I followed my interests and obtained a Masters in Oceanography from Dalhousie University in Canada followed by a Doctorate of Natural Sciences from GEOMAR in Kiel, Germany. The last several years I have been working on climate / ocean modelling as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Southampton.