IMAGE COPYRIGHT John Hansard Gallery presents With the certainty of tides, still I rise
John Hansard Gallery
Age suitable for:
- 16+ only
Featuring works by Firelei Báez, Shiraz Bayjoo, Jane Jin Kaisen, and Osman Yousefzada, the exhibition showcases a spectrum of distinctive artistic practices that deeply engage with contemporary issues. Through their work, these artists confront dominant structures, centring marginalised perspectives that urge us to reconsider who holds the authority to tell and preserve our shared histories.
The title of the exhibition is drawn from Maya Angelou's 1978 poem, And Still I Rise, a powerful and defiant work that has become a celebration of empowerment that evokes resilience and hope in the face of adversity. The metaphor of the tide, inevitable, cyclical, and impactful, runs throughout, symbolising the forces that shape histories, identities, and communities. The ocean emerges as a central motif: as a site to heal the disparity between written and oral histories; a conduit for economic and botanical erasure; a life-force for community and connection to spirituality; and a route that sustained colonial economies.
For many of the artists, diaspora serves as a foundational theme. This is examined through the forced movement of African peoples that gave rise to diasporic communities of African descent, the complex realities of migration relating to the Indian subcontinent, and the historical trade routes that have linked diverse cultures across time and space. This focus highlights the strength and adaptability of these communities, often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Complementing this, the exhibition foregrounds women's roles as matriarchs, caregivers, and cultural stewards. These figures are celebrated for their vital contributions to preserving heritage and sustaining community life, often in the face of adversity. The works collectively honour female strength, spirituality, and leadership, challenging patriarchal narratives while focusing on women's experiences.
Collectively the artists and selected works offer a rich multifaceted reflection on our interconnected world, woven from a tapestry of diverse voices and lived experiences.
With the certainty of tides, still I rise, is co-curated by John Hansard Gallery's Jennifa Chowdhury and Nadia Thondrayen.
The title of the exhibition is drawn from Maya Angelou's 1978 poem, And Still I Rise, a powerful and defiant work that has become a celebration of empowerment that evokes resilience and hope in the face of adversity. The metaphor of the tide, inevitable, cyclical, and impactful, runs throughout, symbolising the forces that shape histories, identities, and communities. The ocean emerges as a central motif: as a site to heal the disparity between written and oral histories; a conduit for economic and botanical erasure; a life-force for community and connection to spirituality; and a route that sustained colonial economies.
For many of the artists, diaspora serves as a foundational theme. This is examined through the forced movement of African peoples that gave rise to diasporic communities of African descent, the complex realities of migration relating to the Indian subcontinent, and the historical trade routes that have linked diverse cultures across time and space. This focus highlights the strength and adaptability of these communities, often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Complementing this, the exhibition foregrounds women's roles as matriarchs, caregivers, and cultural stewards. These figures are celebrated for their vital contributions to preserving heritage and sustaining community life, often in the face of adversity. The works collectively honour female strength, spirituality, and leadership, challenging patriarchal narratives while focusing on women's experiences.
Collectively the artists and selected works offer a rich multifaceted reflection on our interconnected world, woven from a tapestry of diverse voices and lived experiences.
With the certainty of tides, still I rise, is co-curated by John Hansard Gallery's Jennifa Chowdhury and Nadia Thondrayen.
