We are delighted to announce Rabiya Choudhry’s illuminated artwork ‘Give light and people will find the way (Ella Baker)’, commissioned by The Common Guild for ‘anywhere in the universe’ has been gifted to Glasgow Women’s Library by the artist and will remain in place here at the library as a permanent installation.
The artwork was originally installed temporarily at Glasgow Women’s Library, as well as Dennistoun and Shettleston Libraries from 28 January – 30 July 2023. These East-End libraries were selected by Choudhry for their personal significance to the artist.
‘Give light and people will find the way (Ella Baker)’ will join other artworks in Glasgow Women’s Library’s growing collection of artworks by contemporary women artists including Olivia Plender, Martha Rosler and Veronica Ryan.
The artwork can be seen on the exterior Glasgow Women’s Library at all times, and remains illuminated through the night.
Adele Patrick, Co-Director of Glasgow Women’s Library said,
“In the wake of the pandemic the installation of Rabiya Choudhry’s glowing, poignant and uplifting work ‘Give light and people will find the way (Ella Baker)’ literally provided a source of much needed joy, inspiration and illumination in the lives of the GWL community, our visitors, users and our neighbours in Bridgeton. Knowing that this work was part of a suite that connected us to other libraries in our network added a further sense of community, and a shared and renewed purpose. This work is a beacon; amongst the powerful feedback we have received is the comment, “this work gives and shows me the tangible existence of hope, light and shelter…”. What better message to convey what we aspire for people to discover on entering our library space? We are moved and thrilled that Rabiya’s work will now become a permanent fixture thanks to her generosity; this is an artwork that will have an enduring, perennial message into the future (as have Ella Baker’s words that are incorporated). We are grateful to Rabiya for her creativity and kindness, and to The Common Guild for approaching us to host the work.”
Katrina Brown, Director of The Common Guild said,
“As a project ‘anywhere in the universe’ was conceived to reflect on public libraries and how important they are to society, not just as places to find books, but as particular buildings, homes to systems that organise and share information, and places with valuable social purpose. We were guided to the many libraries that became sites for the five projects by the artists and their works, and were totally delighted when Rabiya Choudhry included Glasgow Women’s Library in her sights for her work, as it is such an outstanding, heartening and inspiring place. Thanks to the amazing response from the Women’s Library and its community, along with Rabiya’s generosity, we are thrilled that the work will become a permanent fixture and will continue to offer a glimmer of light to all who visit (or just pass by), honouring Ella Baker’s words. It is an excellent legacy for the project.”
‘Give light and people will find the way (Ella Baker)’ (2022) is part of the Rabiya Choudhry’s ongoing project ‘Lost Lighting’ – a series of lighting artworks for public places intended to “act like a vigil in the dark”.
‘Give light and people will find the way (Ella Baker)’ (2022) repurposes Andrew Carnegie’s flaming torch motif; a feature found on many Carnegie library buildings as well as an emblem used in the bookplate for his own private library collection.
In Choudhry’s work, the torch is encircled with the words of African-American civil rights activist and organiser, Ella Baker (1903 – 1986) who worked to instigate societal change through individual and grassroots community empowerment. Baker’s words ‘give light and people will find the way’, are a manifestation of power for ordinary people, invoking a spirit of togetherness and inspiring hope for change.
Choudhry says, “Ella Baker came to me through light. Her words felt like a special gift after years of contemplating life, loss, and light during one of the most difficult times. Her life, actions, and words are hugely inspiring and articulate what I wanted to echo in these public artworks for libraries at a time where light comes at some cost and hope is hard to put into words.”
About the Artist
Rabiya Choudhry was born in Glasgow in 1982 to Scottish and Pakistani parents. Choudhry studied at Edinburgh College of Art to MA level, graduating in 2006. She lives and works in Edinburgh.
Choudhry’s work explores themes of identity and cultural displacement in contemporary British society with a darkly comedic approach. Her work expresses the complicated coupling of eastern and western cultures in richly vibrant autobiographical portrayals. Recent exhibitions include ‘TESTAMENT’, Goldsmiths CCA, London (2022); ‘ambi’, CCA Glasgow; and ‘Fabric of Society’, Glasgow International (both 2021). Choudhry’s work ‘Dad’ (2018) was acquired by the Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow in 2020 and is now on permanent display there.
Some inspirational reading selected by the artist can be found at The Common Guild website.
