MA Fine Art student, Val Bolsover, has a new work, One for the Wrens, installed in the silent section of the Drill Hall Library on the Medway Campus. The site specific work is based on the existence of the Wrens in those Medway campus buildings and their lack of a figurehead.  It is the centenary of the WRNS in 2017.

Said Val: “The piece came about for many reasons, which were brought together in my mind by being based at the Dockyard. I grew up around boats, and as a teenager in the 1970s, thought it would be great to join the Navy. For girls there were plenty of career options in the Women’s Royal Naval Service. When I discovered that women were not allowed to serve on ships and go to sea I changed my mind – what’s the point in joining a naval service which is always ashore?

The history of our association with the sea, whether naval, merchant, fishing or leisure, has until recent years been dominated by men. Ships and boats are traditionally named after women, and boats referred to as she. Until the late 19th Century naval and merchant ships carried a figurehead, most often a scantily dressed, buxom woman. These carved and painted figures were replaced by badges. Some figureheads lived on as sculptures ashore, where naval premises took the name of a former ship.  

At times of war, women had been called on to assist with the forces to release trained men for war. There has been much publicity about how the physical labour of women in factories, and in agriculture, influenced opinion in the fight for votes for women following the First World War. Less attention has been given to the skilled tasks undertaken temporarily by women in the forces. 

Bringing these thoughts together I wondered what sort of figurehead the wrens of the First World War would have appreciated.  Perhaps a movie star of the time would have been their choice. It was still the era of black and white silent films. I chose Douglas Fairbanks, a contemporary and friend of Charlie Chaplin. He is painted black and white because that is how the wrens would have seen him. Appropriately the sculpture is currently in the silent section of the Drill Hall Library.”

For Drill Hall Library opening hours go to: http://campus.medway.ac.uk/about/opening.html

For more info on the artist go to: valbolsover.com

Huge congratulations to second year BA (Hons) Fine Art student, Rosette-Amanda Nsubuga,  who has won the Young People United Awards under the category of Inspirational Young Person, as well as a Sankofa Young Black Achievers Award under the category of Citizenship.

Commented Carol Stewart, Chairperson, Medway African and Caribbean Association, “The nominations this year were of a very high standard.”

Rosette-Amanda said, “I was motivated to participate in the exhibition, as this gave me an opportunity to explore my culture and articulate my perceptions. I feel there should be more opportunities like these within the curriculum for students from minority ethnic groups. I felt a sense of freedom to do this because I knew I wouldn’t be judged”.  A synopsis of her work can be seen by accessing the clips below. https://vimeo.com/182216090?ref=em-share
https://m.soundcloud.com/user-330751277/melanin-intuition-pros-and-cons-sound-piece

Rosette was nominated by Dave Thomas, Student Success (EDI) Project Officer, for her contribution to the Black History Month Exhibition. Explained Dave, “Rosette-Amanda was proactive in promoting diversity through citizenship through her contribution to the University of Kent Black History Month Art Exhibition.  She was part of a group of Fine Art Students from the School of Music and Fine Art who contributed artwork. Rosette demonstrated great volition and commitment by going over and above the initial brief and conducting ethnographic research, which explored student’s perception of the meaning of being black – Melanin Intuition. In addition, Rosette produced two paintings which consider the status of the black community from an adored perspective.

Her work disclosed love and ascension as well as the stigma that comes with having darker skin and takes us on an emotional journey, which explores race – black and blackness – and considers how the influence of the struggles of black leaders brings us to see what victory and freedom feels like.

The body of work aimed to promote cultural competence and a knowledge exchange among the students who study at the Medway Campus and wider University. The work also provoked discussion within the University community. Most importantly, it served to promote a sense of belonging for black and minority ethnic students on the campus. I believe this was a very important contribution to the development of the culture of equality and diversity within the university.  I would also like to mention the other three Fine Art students who contributed to the exhibition (Solomon Dada, Chenille Harris and alumni Daniel Owusu). Although Rosette won the award, I believe this was a victory for the group, school and University as a whole.”

To recognise the winners’ achievements, an award ceremony took place on Saturday 29th October, at Mid Kent College, Gillingham where Rosette was presented with her award by multiple award winning Singer/Songwriter Bashiyra.

For more info go to: www.macacharity.org.uk
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