LIZ GASCOIGNE
Lives and works in United Kingdom
Biography
Liz Gascoigne is an emerging artist and film maker, she is currently studying Art and Design at the Oxfordshire Creative Academy, Abingdon and Witney college. Her passion is creating powerful 2D Fine Art and she has recently embarked on designing art installations with moving images. Much of her artwork is inspired by her personal experiences in Africa and the Arab world, gained through working in international development over the last 30 years. Gascoigne responds to global social and political issues using innovative art imagery to convey a strong message.
Gascoigne studied Social Sciences and has a Masters degree in Rural Development. Gascoigne has lived and worked in Africa and the Middle East, managing development projects alongside advising on social development issues. Since 2002 Gascoigne has headed up a consultancy group, North South Consultants Exchange which supports Voice and Accountability projects.
In 2004 Gascoigne first started to exhibit her paintings, prints and textile pieces as part of Oxfordshire Artweeks, She organises an annual group exhibition Art in Little Wittenham which has expanded to include a sculpture trail with 24 artists exhibiting paintings, photography, sculpture and ceramics.
Over recent years Gascoigne’s artwork has become more conceptual, reflecting her engagement with global issues.
Artist statement
Over the past year civilian protest across the Middle East has become known as the Arab Spring, Women have played a key role in leading the call for regime change. In countries such as Yemen women have emerged as prominent activists and found a voice. In February 2012 the ousting of the Yemeni president, after 33 years of authoritarian rule, has been more than a political revolution as it marks the beginning of a social revolution for women in a highly traditional society.
No Spring without Women explores Yemeni women’s response when government forces killed 25 protesters. The following day women spread a black cloth across the street in Sana’a and threw their makrama (full length veils) into a pile and set this ablaze. As the flames rose, they chanted: “Who protects Yemeni women from the crimes of the thugs?” Traditionally, the burning of cloth was a symbolic way of imploring fellow tribesman to protect them.
The video piece was originally created as part of a walk-in installation, exhibited in June
2012 at The Oxfordshire Creative Academy, Abingdon and Witney college.
https://lizgascoigne.carbonmade.com