Every Picture Tells a Story: Women and Politics Now

Celebrated artists, politicians, performers, community workers and LGBT activists will offer insights into contemporary gender issues in this unique symposium hosted by London'sOctober Gallery Education on 24th March.

Taking Palestinian artist Laila Shawa’s Disposable Bodies No.3as a trigger, the symposium offers a layering of narratives to create a collective portrait of women today. How conflicted will these multiple perspectives be? Do we really need a Women’s History Month anyway?

Explore the politics of motherhood, conflict, careers and disability with poet Dr. Benjamin Zephaniah(When I Grow Up, Talking Turkeys), actor Zawe Ashton (Dreams of a Life, Fresh Meat), Tulip Siddiq (Camden Councillor), artist collective DARTER (currently exhibiting at Whitechapel Gallery) as well as Laila Shawa herself.

This event takes place during Laila Shawa’s current exhibition at October Gallery The Other Side of Paradise. Her mixed media works depict the current chaos in Gaza and explore the psychology of the female suicide bomber.

Along with lively discussion and debate, there will be a film screening by a local young women’s group, in response to being a young woman in London. There will also be a live performance by dub duo The YuYa.

Behind October Gallery are two dynamic women; Co-founder and Director Chili Hawes and Artistic Director, Elisabeth Lalouschek. Together they promote best of contemporary art from the world’s leading international artists including Laila Shawa, Rachid Koraïchi, El Anatsui and Romuald Hazoumè.

Tickets are available here.