Alison McKenna's Hippie-Inspired Exhibition at John Marchant Gallery Explores Feminism and Protest
The John Marchant Gallery in Brighton is hosting Alison McKenna's exhibition, 'Moon Shrines, Water Springs and Sacred Flares,' from June 7 to July 13. This showcase critiques capitalism and revisits the 1960s hippie movement through a feminist perspective. McKenna employs various media, such as video, photography, and paintings. Notable works include 'I Am Because You Are' (2024), which features protest imagery from RAF Greenham Common, and the video 'Sun Stands Still' (2016–24), highlighting a female collective embracing solar energy. Her photography draws on mythological themes and sacred locations like Delphi and Glastonbury Tor. Enamel paintings, including 'White Mountain' (2022), reflect erotic landscapes. Influenced by Barbara Mor and Monica Sjöö, the exhibition juxtaposes punk nihilism with hopeful idealism, emphasizing protest and spirituality.
Key facts
- Exhibition runs from June 7 to July 13, 2024
- Features works including 'I Am Because You Are' (2024) and 'Sun Stands Still' (2016–24)
- Includes photography of RAF Greenham Common protest sites
- References mythological figures Delphyne and sacred sites like Delphi
- Showcases enamel paintings such as 'White Mountain' (2022)
- Influenced by Barbara Mor and Monica Sjöö of the Goddess movement
- Contrasts hippie optimism with punk nihilism
- Avoids commercial aspects like Glastonbury Festival fees
Entities
Artists
- Alison McKenna
- Bobby Gillespie
- Jeremy Deller
- Gary Hume
- Barbara Mor
- Monica Sjöö
Institutions
- John Marchant Gallery
- Primal Scream
- RAF Greenham Common
- Glastonbury Festival
Locations
- Brighton
- United Kingdom
- Delphi
- Greece
- Glastonbury Tor
- Waun Mawn
- Wales
- Stonehenge