Proud To Be Me

In collaboration with Eunice Bossman-Okai

28 June – 2 July 2022

Gallery 2

Wall sculpture with sugar cane

Proud To Be Me exists to support and encourage young women to embrace themselves, their work, skills, abilities, leadership, decision making and influencing skills, both now and in the future.

They aim to support the increasing number of teenage girls who are affected by the debilitating effects of low self-esteem /aspirations and the overall effects of low economic and social disadvantage, and structural racism which can impact upon the lives of BAME girls. 

The people Proud To Be Me support have been given the opportunity to collaborate with artist Eunice Bossman-Okai to create their own artworks inspired by their experiences.

Bossman-Okai’s work brings an awareness to the values and morals rooted in her spiritual beliefs which are influenced by her culture, nature, and spirituality. These factors contribute to the distinctiveness of each artwork and create a deeper understanding beyond what is apparent to the naked eye. Her practice involves working with very tactile materials and natural resources making texture an important and relevant aspect of the work. 

Her practice involves working with materials sourced predominantly from the African continent such as African sponges and kola nuts. The materials used are of importance to her because she sees value in their ritualistic and domestic origins while also looking beyond their everyday uses and seeing how they can be utilised as art materials. The various and diverse array and manipulation of the objects Bossman-Okai uses contribute towards her dynamic mixed media practice.

Colour is significant for the diverse meanings it bestows on each artwork. This combination of the use of colour and material processes emphasises the intricacies and textures in the artwork inviting a sense of curiosity from the audience