Mémoires des corps [Embodied Memories], in Gasworks gallery, is the first UK exhibition of Paris-based artist, Marie-Claire Messouma Manlanbien.
The beaded hangings in gentle colours and hand thrown ceramics create a first impression of tranquil harmony. But underneath lies a much more complex essay in the experience of being a woman – both past and present. Drawing on her own experiences in France, Guadaloupe and the Ivory Coast, and using textiles, sculpture and installation, the artist explores culture, history, trauma and the taboos around female sexuality and fertility.
The main room includes a tapestry in vibrant colours which starkly sets the scene for this exploration. The contrast between the violent colours of the tapestry and and restful colours of the surrounding hangings using semi-precious stones symbolises the pleasures and pains of the female experience – suffering but also restorative healing and nurturing. Wandering through this installation is restful and meditative, but amongst the soothing strings of carnelian, pink opal, moonstones and amber, lie sharp reminders of less comfortable realities.
The second room contains very fine woven work – tapestries and wall hangings – which continue these themes using traditional tribal symbols, most notably bees which nurture communities. Full of life and energy, with tiny masks of women’s faces woven into the fabric, these are delicate and intricate stories of lives of beauty but also punctuated with pain and oppression.
You need to spend some time with these works as they gradually reveal their meaning. Using different materials, references, symbols and colours they speak to the experience of being human – “messy, complicated, painful and beautiful”.
Mémoires des corps runs until 14 December in Gasworks,155 Vauxhall St., SE11 5RH. For further information go to www.gasworks.org.uk
