Rachel Shakespeare

Artist statement

B R E A S T P L A T E
R A C H E L S H A K E S P E A R E

This conceptual installation entitled Breastplate asks us to contemplate female power in patriarchal societies and traditions in the sacred feminine. By creating safe space to hear women’s stories, Rachel created 21 armoured Breastplates, symbolising and giving voice to the heroism of women. These women gave powerful testimony and expression to their individual and collective experiences, in their Breastplates, in written narratives and in spoken word, performed on the opening night of the solo exhibition.

This work was shown throughout December 2019 at the Asylum Gallery and was widely regarded as a powerful and participatory statement and celebration of the women and their courageous lives.

Rachel is now looking to further grow this project and is applying for funding to allow the work to be widely felt and accessible to all women. The women that took part in this project had their Breastplates returned to them in a sacred ceremony on the closing night of the exhibition. The Breastplates and narratives shown here are with the permission of the women that took part.

Prior to hanging six breast plates are set out at the Viner Gallery for the NEWWAVE show.

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A laser scan image of three breastplates in the artist’s studio.

A breastplate in the artist’s studio.

A breastplate in the artist’s studio.