Through this exhibition, Sharon James explores different facets of her identity as a black, gay woman and mother. Through this prism she explores her heritage, her past, the present and the future as it impacts herself and her children. Exploring her story has become increasingly important to Sharon since becoming a mother. Her work explores the legacy she’ll leave her children whilst helping them understand their place in the world.
With the collection, vibrant paintings depict domestic family life which Sharon imagines is broadly relatable to other’s experience. Offering more than a window on the world, they are intimate moments the viewer is invited to become part of it like we are one and the same family. Each painting is a reflection of a keenly observed moment. Focusing on the moments of everyday life that are so easily looked over, offering an intensely personal vision with echoes of family, motherhood and heritage.
This exhibition will also showcase works that focus on her black heritage and cultural identity through a series of drawings/paintings. Sharon believes these works are particularly relevant in light of recent events, and was keen to hold this exhibition during Black History Month.
‘I am a Black, queer mother and re-emerging artist post the birth of my children and a 7 year break from the arts. My art practice is two-dimensional; painting/drawing and printmaking.
My work is an autobiographical account of my everyday existence. My lived experience is not just of the immediate, i.e. motherhood, but of all things past, future, visible and invisible.
Through art, I document experiences of being Black and Queer in White majority Dorset, of receiving IVF treatment (typically thought of as a White privilege), of the history of slavery and of my sexuality.
My work emerges from an unyielding desire to leave a legacy for my children- something we lack as Black British people in rural spaces, separated from our culture, history and everyday representation. This makes my work not just ‘my’ story, but is also an active act of influencing what will be ‘our’ story.’
Artist Bio
Sharon James holds a BA Hons in Fine Art Printmaking at Loughborough and an MA in Printmaking from Camberwell School of Art. After a successful career as a lecturer in Art and Design, Sharon spent ten years as a gallery owner and is now a full time artist… between the school runs. Sharon is also a busy mum of 3; twin girls aged 7 and 8 year old son.
Sharon finds that the mental transition from mum to artist can be problematic, and her practice has evolved since the arrival of her children. Her work now focuses on painting and drawing, using many tools including digital. Sharon enjoy’s exploring and enjoying the immediacy of these processes, versus more labour intensive printmaking.
Artwork within this exhibition is funded by the Arts Council.
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A Mother’s Legacy: artwork by Sharon James
Through this exhibition, Sharon James explores different facets of her identity as a black, gay woman and mother….