Display by Hannah Harkes
‘As long as we make it’ by artist Hannah Harkes is the next exhibition to take place in Display** from 16 - 29th November 2020.
As Long As We Make It' is both an art installation and an invitation to a shared act. The woollen plait, extending from Gaada's flagpole, is woven from knitted yarn and dyed using pigments found in plants, following methods used by the Vikings. This object honours tradition and pays tribute to ancient craftwork and labour. The materials used reflect relationships people forged long ago, with livestock and land, relations that, in Shetland, have traditionally been dominated by women exercising economic agency. In response to the work of activists in Shetland today, the long plait recollects a peaceful demonstration that occurred in 1989, across the Baltic States. Spanning 419.7 miles and three countries, a human chain was formed when approximately two million people joined their hands together in solidarity. Hannah Harkes' exhibition considers strength and determination, as well as softness and flexibility, yet most of all it is a celebration. What began in an Estonian forest, by the artist's two hands, continues to grow in Shetland. Any visitor who wishes may lend their own hands to the work and take part in the simple joy of making something really, really long together. The series of risograph prints points towards some of the narratives that have informed the work. Three short stories, accompanying the exhibition, encourage confidence; ownership of our own potential to generate change; and hope for the future.
Hannah Harkes is an artist who combines pictorial media, such as printmaking, painting, or drawing, with installation, performance, and event. The themes addressed by the artist can vary greatly, as she tends to create each new work in direct response to a specific exhibition space or performative context. Most recently she has focused on creating playful and celebratory environments in which to confront emotionally challenging topics, such as ageing, alienation, objectification, destructive behaviour, and death. In addition to her solo projects, Hannah often works collaboratively with other artists, performers, and musicians. She completed a BA Hons in Fine Art Printmaking from Gray's School of Art in 2011, and later graduated with an MA in Death, Religion and Culture from the University of Winchester in 2019. Hannah is based in Estonia, where she shares her time between a letterpress workshop called Labora, in the capital city of Tallinn, and her rural studio in the forest.
This new body of work has been developed in response to Weemin's Wark, Gaada’s 2021 Visual Art Programme in partnership with Glasgow Women’s Library and local equalities group Up Helly Aa For Aa. Weemin’s Wark is funded by Creative Scotland.
**Display is a new distanced outdoor gallery space located outside the Gaada workshop in Burra Isle, Shetland. Gaada welcomes visitors to view the current Display within the gravelled area outside the building, however we politely request that at this time, visitors do not enter the building without prior appointment. This ensures Gaada is able to continue maintaining a safe working environment within the workshop.
Image: As long as we make it, with Hannah in Estonia.
