21 February – Exploitations and Expectations at St Mary’s Old Church
Exploitations and Expectataions posterPrivate view. Four final year art students explored themes around taking advantage of someone’s situation, enslavement to an ideal of perfection, and technology.
Contributing artists: Helen Turnbull, Hannah Elliott, Thomas Griffiths, Michelle Ledgerwood.
It was unusual to have an exhibition on the theme of enslavement, rare to host a private view in a church – let alone one where three anti-slavery campaigners are buried – and unexpected to have live music at a private view. All these combined to make our Exploitations and Expectations exhibition an extraordinary event.
“Thought-provoking,” said the Rector. “Engaging and moving,” said local musician and peace activist John Sloboda.
And we were delighted to have Stoke Newington’s answer to Simon Schama – local art historian Geoff Quilley – giving the most enlightening talk about the invisibility of the slave trade in paintings of the time, and the viewpoints of young artists on enslavement in the 21st Century.