HARE presents a new body of textile artworks by Sarah-Joy Ford, exploring the complex role of the hare in psychoanalysis, mythology, and feminist folklore.
Through the symbolic figure of the hare the works pull at thematic threads of desire, sacrifice, and transformation.
Through the use of craft practices traditionally associated with women - including rug tufting, quilting, embroidery, and traditional besom making – the show finds materially resonant methods for invoking and exploring the relationship between hares, women and witches.
A second solo show, RABBIT, will follow HARE in 2024 at Bury Gallery and Sculpture Centre.
Recent exhibitions include Quilting the Lesbian Archive See Through Gallery Manchester; Looking for Lesbians One Archives Gallery West Hollywood, Los Angeles; Beloved: crafting intimacies with the Ladies of Llangollen Plas Newydd Historic House and Gardens (2022).
Recent commissions include Embroidering Heritage Oral Histories Elizabeth Gaskell House (2023); Double Helix History Project University of Manchester; The Fabric of Science and Technology (Site Specific Textile Installation BASE: Manchester Science Park; A Tall Order (Quilt) Touchstones Rochdale; Queering the Whitworth (Manifesto Banner Quilt) The Whitworth Manchester (2022).
Sarah-Joy Ford is a graduate of University of Leeds (BA Fine Art) and Manchester School of Art (MA Textile Practice and PhD, Fine Art & Design).
Her work is held in numerous collections including The Whitworth, Manchester; The Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford; The ONE Archives, Los Angles; The V&A (Artist Book collection), London; The Bishopsgate Institute, (Rebel Dykes Collection) London.
Sarah-Joy Ford in conversation with Veronica Slater - Saturday 28 October 3pm, all welcome.
