Unearthing an Insane Past:
a Solo exhibition by Martha Wakefield
This solo exhibition will be presented in the Focus Gallery in tandem with our 6th Annual Spotlight Member Exhibition. Martha was the recipient of this solo exhibition for her work featured in our 5th Annual Spotlight Member exhibition, as awarded by last year’s juror, Frances Jakubek. The award is an open invitation to exhibit new work, that may or may not be related to the work exhibited in the Spotlight Exhibition. This exhibition is the premier of a Martha’s newest body of work developed in partnership with our Visual Storytelling workshop.
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 16th 5:00 – 8:00pm
Exhibition: October 16th – November 14th
Presented in tandem with our 6th Annual Spotlight Member Exhibition
Artist Statement: Unearthing an Insane Past
Today the word asylum refers to a type of protection granted by one country to an individual persecuted by their own country. But an earlier meaning, long outdated, refers to the confinement of men, women and children who were considered mentally ill or “insane.”
This series explores the tragedy of a bygone era, the incarceration of men, woman and children who were deemed outside the norms of the times by society as well as impact on the staff who worked there. Having grown up in a family of medical professionals, I witnessed the challenges of tending to the sick and dying. This project is my way to unearth and share some of these stories as a tribute to both the inmates and the medical staff.
My hope is to open a conversation about the good, and bad of the past before it is buried in an unmarked grave.
– Martha Wakefield
Biographical:
Martha Wakefield is an award-winning painter and photographer. Her work has been shown in over 77 exhibits across the country including the Fitchburg Art Museum, Wheaton College, Lasell University, and the Griffin Museum of Photography. Awarded artists residencies include Weir Farm National Historic Site in CT, Vermont Studio Center and Orquevaux, France. Wakefield’s work has been featured in several publications including Artscope and Watercolor Artists magazine. And she has written many articles on artists and techniques for The Palette Magazine. Her paintings are in numerous corporate and private collections internationally.
Since 2012 Wakefield has been teaching art classes and intensive workshops on painting, color theory and creativity.
She loves empowering artists of all levels in strengthening their artistic voices.
Website: marthawakefield.com
Instagram: mmwakefield
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