Artist’s Statement
This video piece approaches the notion of catastrophe through an ecofeminist lens: standing stones take the viewer on a journey, drawing connections between the objectification and damage suffered by both women and our environments at the hands of the capitalist patriarchy — a system that prioritises production and extraction over all else.
Through the restrictions of the pandemic many women have been confined to their homes. Domestic violence has increased, gender role dichotomies have been exacerbated and reproductive labour has intensified. Nature has been a physical and mental escape for many in this time, with daily exercise being one of the few things allowed by authorities. This video work seeks to give the standing stones, landscape, and the women they represent their voices back, reassurance that we can survive into the future.
About Hazel
I use video, print and sculpture to examine forms of social alienation proliferating contemporary society. Often looking at communication and technology, I examine the influence of global capitalism through an ecofeminist lens, exploring land use, ownership and food production. I have recently completed a residency at Fish Factory Arts, Cornwall which culminated in my solo exhibition, Altar for the Commons (09/2020). My work has been shown both nationally and internationally, including at NeMe, Limassol, 2019; FaB Festival, Bath, 2018; AIR Gallery, Altrincham, 2018, and the Baltic, Gateshead 2021.
Website and Contact:
www.hazelsoper.com
hazelsoper@gmail.com