Conversations with Joan: Publication Launch and Talk
This event celebrates the coming together of a publication about artist Kate Downie’s exhibition and project ‘Conversations with Joan’.
Alongside GWL curator Caroline Gausden, the artist will discuss her intriguing exhibition of drawings, prints and paintings shown together publicly for the first time. Refreshments served.
The project brings together two renowned Scottish-based artists, Joan Eardley (1921–63) and painter and printmaker Kate Downie (b. 1958), who has long acknowledged Eardley’s creative influence. In her work, Downie has tackled similar themes to Eardley – the urban landscape, coastal terrain – and there is a sense of connection, an understanding in her artistic practice. Drawn to the possibilities left open by Eardley’s ‘Two Children’ (1962–63), found incomplete on the artist’s easel at her death, Downie has created two new paintings: one in which she ‘finished’ the painting in her own way, the other a major new banner painting ‘Dead or Alive’ co-created with local children, incorporating their marks with hers. It reflects her continuing interest in childhood sibling relationships and the role of children, their creative output and the impact upon both Joan Eardley’s art and her own.
This exhibition will take you with Downie as she documents her journey, sharing her insights and discoveries as she looks, thinks, draws and paints to better understand Eardley and this, her final ambitious canvas.
Remembering and celebrating less heard but resonant stories is one way that we act as a catalyst, understanding that history is alive for the women that use our services. We have therefore been proud to show Joan Eardley’s artworks in our space, receiving a warm reception, often from audiences experiencing painting for the first time. Given this we are thrilled at the prospect of working closely with Kate Downie and continuing that conversation with Joan in meaningful ways.
Conversations with Joan: Publication Launch and Talk
24th October , 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Accessibility
Glasgow Women’s Library is wheelchair accessible, with lifts to the first floor and the Mezzanine Floor. We have accessible toilets and all the bathrooms are individual closed stalls and are gender neutral. Our larger Events Space is fitted with an induction loop. A portable induction loop is also available.
Find more information on Accessibility at GWL or contact us and we will be very happy to offer assistance.
Booking
The event is free and open to all (16+) To attend, please book below and we will share an email invitation with you. If you would like to make a donation to Glasgow Women’s Library, you can do so here.
