Women with Impact

Thanks to the work of our dedicated galleries who, like us, continue to look for ways to make art more accessible, a trip to an Affordable Art Fair will involve seeing some of the best in contemporary art by women within an affordable price range. We spoke to three influential women gallerists to find out how they see the landscape currently, and to discuss what they are doing to encourage, inspire and support artists and women of the future. They are three among many of course, but read on as they discuss what they do to help and support art by women.

Championing voices

“At the moment we have 50-50 balance of male to female artists in the gallery, but it wasn’t always that way. The gallery was founded in 2005 with an awareness that there was, at that time, very little diversity of artists in the galleries around town. Therefore, the recruitment of the first set of artists for the gallery was very deliberate – I made it known that I wanted to exhibit works by artists with a Caribbean, Latin and African heritage. Most of the artists we’ve added to our roster in the past 5-7 years have been female artists and that was deliberate.

For the first few years we were very deliberate in recognizing that other galleries might not have been as welcoming for these artists. Attitudes are different now and many galleries are more inclusive. I hope its not just a trend but a real shift in the way galleries and curators view the creators of art and that we continue to see more diversity in the types of art and perspectives that come from inclusivity.”

Joan Spence, Spence Gallery

We particularly enjoy the work of contemporary abstract artists’ Mary Karavos and Sandra Di Leo, both represented by Spence Gallery. Positivity flows out of the vibrant palettes of their paintings!

Uplifting artists across generations

Alison Ramsay and Emma Riley from The Art Agency actively encourage, inspire, and support artists and women of the future in many ways. They discover emerging artists on Instagram and seek them out at smaller, artist-led fairs from around the UK. Given their experience, they are perfectly placed to offer experiences for students:

“We’ve given local sixth form art students work experience in the gallery and with us at art fairs, which has given them some insight into the contemporary art world and what is involved in selling and buying art. We have also sponsored Surrey Life Landscape Artist of the Year which is a fantastic competition, encouraging artists to make the leap from hobby to profession.”

From colourful mixed-media artist Emma Gibbons, to abstracts from Kasia Clarke –their portfolio boasts a number of exciting female artists both emerging and established.

As well championing newly emerging artists, it’s important that women artists across the spectrum are uplifted and supported, no matter their career-stage. This is something Katherine Kittoe actively works towards:

“Whether by choice or by necessity, many women drop off the radar or their careers stall when they have children. The art world is no different and can be particularly tough as it is so often chasing the ‘new’. Invisible women, mid-career and beyond, need to be championed; they are a powerful and compelling creative force not to be dismissed. My mother had her first solo show at 70 which both gives one hope but also highlights the need for change. I’ve found that I work with a lot of women in this situation, and it’s an absolute pleasure to support and promote their work and pave the way for the future.”

Katherine Kittoe, Kittoe Contemporary

The female gaze

Katherine reflects on the significance of the ‘female gaze’ in contemporary art – work that is presented from a female perspective or reflecting female attitudes) – and how this influences the work of her artist, Jess Quinn.

“The female gaze is a powerful force! The female gaze, the female voice, the female experience is central to one of my artists, Jess Quinn’s work. She looks at herself and her experiences with an unflinching eye. Her art has been forged by the agonies and frustrations of being a female artist. She dismisses the passive female protagonist and the questionable morality of fairy tales, painting herself an antidote. Her alternative surreal world offers a different future and an escape. Jess’s work reflects her struggle to find a voice in an oppressive domestic environment. She draws on the wealth of art history, referencing favourite artists and images but produces work that is entirely her own. Unapologetic, sometimes uncomfortable, yet filled with hope and colour – truly exciting work that strikes a chord with my collectors.”

Thanks to all the impactful gallerists for their thoughts. For more highlights with a female-focus, as well as success stories from around the world, take a look at our 2023 International Women’s Day Global Edit ?

Main image: Jess Quinn, ‘Hag, Virago, Crone’, oil on canvas, Kittoe Contemporary