Changing Room

by Jo Hodges 2014

An participatory project exploring women and ageing through an interactive installation.

Catstrand, New Galloway, Electric Theatre Workshop, Dumfries. 2014, Glasgow Womens Library 2016
Project led by Jo Hodges in collaboration with Denise Zygadlo. Creative Days facilitated by Lee Seekings-Norman. A Luminate commission

“What a moving exhibition. So tender, raw, challenging and joyful“
“Funny, thought provoking, poignant. Loved it!“
“Made me laugh, made me cry. Fantastic!“

The project explored the process of ageing for women, specifically the menopause and beyond. In 2014, this phase of ageing was rarely talked about openly or acknowledged and women often went through this complex time in silence. ‘Changing Room’ aimed to engage local woman in an exploration of their experiences and feelings about ‘the change’, through creative days leading to an exhibition of work.


The exhibition consisted of 6 wardrobes, each containing items of personal clothing that participants and the artists had adapted as well as objects and installations to to explore. Words and experiences were woven throughout the items. The opening performance was by a youth group, performing the words of participating women.


The project aimed to recognize and acknowledge the many changes and challenges women face, to explore stereotypes of women, and also to create the space and opportunity for a positive and creative celebration of this new life phase. The participatory days used a range of media responding to the idea of using wardrobes to contain the work, exploring issues and capturing experiences and feelings. Work by the artists was shown alongside that created by the woman attending the creative days.

“Hugely emotional, a feeling of oneness with all women, shared experiences and lives“

Exhibition:

Work by Jo Hodges:

Words by participants incorporated into exhibition and examples of work made by participants during the creative days:

“Moving and thoughtful. Sense of shared and sharing of experience behind everything“

“Such an exquisite exhibition – such admirable honesty. The secret is no longer a secret. Love the creativity – surprises – words that resonate. Just beautiful. Thank you!“

Workshops:

Interaction

Opening performance. Words of participating women performed by youth group:

Categories: 2014, 2016, Collaboration, Community Engagement, Exhibition, Interactive, Jo Hodges, Participatory, Process

Jo Hodges's avatar

Jo Hodges

Jo Hodges is a multidisciplinary public artist based in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
with a background in Human Ecology, community development and social justice.

Her work investigates ecological and socio-cultural systems, processes and relationships, and explores new strategies for working in public. Her practice takes many forms; temporary and permanent works, site specific installations and socially engaged projects and processes. She is often led by context, where the outcome is determined as a result of process.

She is interested in research, experimentation and collaboration at the intersection of environment, culture and technology and exploring the role of art in social change. She is joint Director-Curator of Sanctuary Lab, a public art laboratory in the Galloway Forest Dark Skies Park.