Innovative artist, Adia Wahid, and finalist for the Contemporary British Painting Prize, Katrina Blannin, have spoken out on the place of women and technology in the art world at a debate hosted by Stellar International Art Foundation.
Held at the Church House in Westminster on March 5th, the event was curated to discuss the value of art as a force for cultural reflection, and the value of female artists as wider social and political commentators.
In line with International Women’s Day, the conversation took a critical look at patriarchal society’s expectation that female artists produce inherently ‘feminine’ work and comment solely on gender politics. Working to challenge this notion, Adia encouraged female artists to discuss other prominent issues of the day – such as the growing role of technology in our daily lives.
Commentators
Adia Wahid commented: “Artists are political commentators and they should be allowed to shed light on what they believe to be the biggest topics of their age. For some this may be gender politics, but for others it could be political or social themes considered ‘male’ in nature. My own work for instance, inspired by the English mathematician and writer Ada Lovelace, explores the interaction between the technological world and the human body, and the positive and negative reactions that can arise from this encounter.”
Stellar Art Foundation chose Adia Wahid’s work because of the unique way it comments on the current status of humankind’s day to day dependence on smartphones and computers, and the algorithms which power them. At the event, she encouraged the audience to understand the importance and relevance of algorithms in our lives but also the risk that this poses to the creative industries.
Of the event, Adia Wahid said; “I am incredibly honoured to have taken a leading role at Stellar International Art Foundation’s prestigious annual event. I hope I have given you a renewed confidence in your own individuality as an artist and the value of your artwork to societal narratives.”
Stellar
Founder of Stellar Art, Mrs Anita Choudhrie said, “Stellar has long championed artistic talent regardless of background or gender and we hope that our latest event is another demonstration of our commitment to female cultural expression and exploration. We are proud to support an artist who is pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, and embracing technology and science, which are disciplines women are vastly underrepresented.”
Adia Wahid graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science with an Economics Degree before pursuing a career as an artist. Having completed her BA at the Chelsea College of Art and Design, Adia went on to train at the Royal College of Art where she received her MA. Her training in both economics and arts has inspired her to create a collection in which the two coexist.
Born in Pakistan, Adia has also lived in the USA, Singapore and South Korea. Today she lives and works in London. Adia Wahid has exhibited extensively across London including at The Royal College of Art and The Palace of Westminster, a solo exhibition at the Alice Black Art Gallery, and wider UK, France and Switzerland. Her work is held in private collections and in a public collection at The New York Presbyterian Hospital
Established in 2008, The Stellar International Art Foundation Collection has become internationally renowned for its content, coverage and activities around the globe and is a particular champion of female artists and feminist art. Currently the foundation comprises over 600 works dating from the late 19th Century to the present day, including international artists and ranging from sculptures to paintings. It distinguishes on individual talent rather than regions and gives an insight into the cultural viewpoint of individuals with diverse understandings of the world.
For more about the Stellar International Art Foundation see here.
