Peninsula Gallery to host I Am Woman show reception May 1

Throughout history, women have suffered within the bounds of a patriarchal society, and their creativity and individuality have often been overlooked and undervalued.

But the female empowerment movement has forced standards to shift, especially within the art community, giving women a voice to rewrite their narrative and representation in art. I Am Woman is an exhibition that challenges the male gaze by giving female artists the opportunity to use their vision to capture what it actually means to be a woman.

For its May exhibition, Peninsula Gallery invited five female artists to create works around the concept of female identity. The show explores how women interpret their femininity, using both literal and figurative means to express the depth of a woman’s identity.

Brook Hedge focuses her camera on the female form to investigate the symbolic essence of femininity. The ladies in Brenda Kidera’s portraits are placed in contrasting environments, communicating the holistic diversity of female personalities. Chloe McEldowney, a first-time exhibitor at Peninsula, conveys womanhood through a whimsical, naturalistic design of vivid colors and floral patterns. Sydney McGinley’s soft pastel works express a gentle femininity that imitates a more simplistic woman. Nancy Richards West’s mixed media pieces bring to life females with mythical and mysterious personas.

Tony Boyd-Heron, gallery co-owner, said, “This show is near and dear to my heart, as encouraging equality and diversity in the art world is very important to me. I’m thrilled that we can put on an all-female exhibition that shows the depth of female individuality and the strength of their artistic ability.”

I Am Woman will be on display from Saturday, May 1 to Tuesday, May 25. Works from the show can be previewed and are available for purchase at peninsula-gallery.com.

An opening reception will be held starting at 5 p.m., May 1, with timed entry and limited numbers. Attendees must reserve a time slot beforehand and are required to wear a mask. For details, call 302-645-0551 or email peninsulagallery1@gmail.com.

The gallery is located in the Shops at the Beacon, 520 East Savannah Road, Lewes.