In 2015, we collaborated with multimedia artist, Maria Kulikovska, to hold her first solo exhibition in London after the annexation of Crimea which rendered her a refugee overnight. Through her artwork, Maria protested against the Russian invasion and the brutalities of war. As with so many conflicts around the globe, peace is seldom permanent and war is often protracted. Today, the entirety of Ukraine is facing an existential threat and violent atrocities, whilst Maria is once again displaced - this time with a baby girl in tow.
The last thing you want to picture when you think of your pussy is Donald Trump. But “grab them by the pussy” has now become a phrase that will forever stalk the lexicon of popular culture. Before the president of the United States bragged about his sexual harassment of innocent women, the war between the patriarchy and pussies had already been quietly brewing for longer than anyone would like to admit.
From the mass treatment of “hysteria”, to female genital mutilation, to banning abortions, our pussies and everything to do with its pleasure and reproductive purposes have been under attack long before Trump brought his tiny hands anywhere near one. However, the fact that the leader of the world’s largest democracy is a “pussy grabber” is a seriously dangerous declaration of an outright war against pussies and everything it stands for.
On International Women's Day 2016, we are incredibly excited to announce Art Represent's upcoming art initiative Flowers of Democracy (FoD) with our artist Maria Kulikovska. The FoD will be Part I to Kulikovska’s first solo show in London. Part II – 9th May – will open on the 9th May in our space in Bethnal Green.
Q&A: Maria Kulikovska
Nominee for the Saatchi Gallery's prestigious UK/Raine competition, Maria Kulikovska is an undeniable talent. Her politically-motivated 'art actions' have established her reputation as one to watch in the contemporary art world, and her story is truly inspiring. Read the extended interview, in which Maria reveals more about her practice, her most recent projects and what inspires her creations.
