Exhibition explores history of slavery

Ar’n’t I a Woman! is an exhibition of commissioned work by Birmingham-based Trinidadian artist Karen McLean, interrogating the history, folklore and material cultures of the Caribbean, as well as Britain's colonial legacies.

Karen's ongoing interest in the roles of women within these histories is evident as she draws on a long tradition of gendered activities such as weaving, stitching and the dying of fabrics.

The title of the exhibition references Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech which was delivered in 1851 at the Women’s Rights Convention in Ohio.

Throughout her work, Karen platforms the role enslaved women of the Caribbean played in resistance, both in known rebellions but also through everyday acts of subversion.

Ar’n’t I a Woman! has been created in the spirit of the women who used their strength and ingenuity to survive adversity and oppression.

Drawing parallels with issues facing women today, Karen celebrates this ingenuity and vitality and acknowledges the continued resistance of women for control of their bodies.

Taking centre stage in the exhibition is the figure of Queen Nanny, leader of the Windward Maroons who, in the 18th century, fought against British colonisers.

Also present is the folkloric trickster spider Anansi that survived the passage of slavery.

Karen has chosen hessian sacking for this project, known for its strength and durability.

The material alludes to shipping and commercial exchange and also acts as a metaphor for the womb and its commodification.

She has applied a range of processes including branding, hand stitching with animal suture thread, screen-printing, dyeing them with tea and coffee and embellishing them with cowrie shells.

Ar’n’t I a Woman! is at Walsall Art Gallery until June 5.

Karen is also in conversation with Jessica Taylor on Saturday April 2 at 3pm. Booking is essential, and can be done by emailing info@thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk.