As part of Shetland Arts’ marking of International Women’s Day on March 8th, Bonhoga Gallery is proud to present Where She Resides, an unusual exhibition of miniature textiles by Heather Wilson.

Heather is an artist based in Shetland and the pieces she has on display in the Lower Gallery café area are exquisite embroidered patches, which explore where modern woman fits into culture and where she herself can be represented within the stereotypes of modern society. The artist strives to “shift the dynamics of accepted female representation by making new cultural symbols”. Heather’s embroidered patches are created from sketchbook images in response to everyday experiences. They are personal and confessional images, transferred to material and then industrially manufactured, thus reversing the traditional link of women and craft.

Heather said: “The work exposes the rigidity of the prescribed belief system where we are expected to fit into the shape moulded by society, rather than creating an individual cast. Roles and meaning are rendered flexible, altering cultural perceptions which previously may have prevented engagement with new avenues of thinking.”

International Women’s Day (IWD) has been observed since the early 1900s and its theme for 2013 is The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum, complementing the UN’s International Women’s Day theme of A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women. Each year on March 8th, and throughout the month, thousands of events occur all over the world to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women whilst supporting and recognising the need for further sustainable change.

Heather Wilson’s show is part of Shetland Arts’ wider celebrations for International Women’s Day which includes a special screening of Jane Campion’s The Piano at Mareel on Friday 8 March at 6.30pm.

Where She Resides accompanies the work of Sheila McDonald, jeweller, whose work is on display in the Lower Gallery Craft Cabinet. In the Upper Gallery, Shetland Arts is delighted to present Reflections on Shetland, a solo show by renowned silversmith Rod Kelly. Many of Rod’s prestigious commissions have been inspired by Shetland.

All three shows open on Friday 8 March at from 6-8pm. Everyone welcome. The exhibitions will run until April 21st.

Source: Shetland Arts