Episode 20 - Mercedes Workman

Liminal Gallery Podcast host, Louise Fitzjohn, speaks with contemporary artist Mercedes Workman to coincide with 'Turner's Female Contemporaries' a solo exhibition in our second exhibition space, The Cupboard at Liminal Gallery in Margate. The exhibition brings to light the forgotten, yet remarkably talented women artists of the past.

‘Turner's Female Contemporaries’ presents a meticulously crafted and entirely tiled space, unveiling the faces of female artists who have long been overlooked by history, each of whom were creating their own work during J. M. W. Turner’s lifetime. Mercedes Workman's installation serves as a poignant reminder of the many talented women artists who have, for the most part, been denied the recognition they rightfully deserved. This exhibition shines a much-needed spotlight on their remarkable contributions to the art world and seeks to rectify the historical omission.

The Cupboard is Liminal Gallery’s second exhibition space, tiny but sleek it is exclusively available to artists living and working in Thanet. Workman will transform it into a shrine-like space, with individual ceramic tiles, each handmade with the warp and weft reminding us of the artist's hand. The faces of these forgotten women artists expressed through vigorous brushwork and meticulous mark-making pouring life and energy into their portraits.

Mercedes Workman’s work is a response to her overactive mind; she works both fast and determinedly. Reoccurring themes include relationships and interactions, perceptions, judgements, idiosyncrasies and cliches, particularly around womanhood, motherhood and identity.

Her practice centres around her passion for ceramics combined with drawing from life and illustrative work expressed in vigorous brush work and mark making. ‘I hope to create something familiar and comforting, with an energy that’s easy to live with,’ says the artist.

Workman recently had a solo exhibition ‘ABC of Me’ at TKE Studios, where she is also a Studio Holder, as well as 'Small is Beautiful' a recent group exhibition at Flowers Gallery in Cork Street, London.

Mercedes Workman lives and works in Margate, Kent.

Read the full press release here:

https://www.liminal-gallery.com/turners-female-contemporaries

Contact us for all questions and enquiries: [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram: @liminal_gallery

With original music by Lorenzo Bonari.

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