Response of women war artists to conflict

‘Women War Artists’ is a new exhibit at the Imperial War Museum, London. It redresses the tendency to view and perceive blood-filled conflicts and battles typically, through the eyes of men.

The show seeks to explore the emotional experiences of women in challenging wartime right from the First World War to the contemporary times. It features art by names from Dame Laura Knight, renowned for her paintings of the Nuremberg trial, to Mona Hatoum, a Turner prize nominee.

Focusing on intense works by sensitive and socially aware women war artists encompassing different eras from the 1900s to the recent Kosovo conflict, the showcase highlights the renowned museum’s excellent collection. It deftly explores an artistic response to conflict. The artists come across as eyewitnesses, commentators, officially commissioned recorders and as participants, at times.

‘Women War Artists’ illuminates both the possibilities and constraints faced by female artists in war time. It’s a perfect opportunity for revisiting key moments in the last century or so of a turbulent history of war and conflict, especially that of Britain, through from a largely universal, and seldom explored perspective. Featured artists include Anna Airy (among the first officially commissioned artists during the 1st World War), Linda Kitson, Dame Laura Knight RA and Frauke Eigen.

The Imperial War Museum celebrates the remarkable achievements and experiences of women war artists and considers their importance through this exhibit.Key works by different women artists are seen through the prism of their own reflections and life tales that reveal the unique challenges they have faced, demonstrating the enormous diversity of their bold responses.

The museum offers a unique coverage of global conflicts, especially those comprising people and army of Britain and the Commonwealth. It seeks to encourage, the understanding of the modern war history and ‘war-time experience’. It spans a wide range of activities at its main London venue as well as at its four different branches. ‘Women War Artists’ is a step ahead in its agenda to relook the history of wars and learn lessons for the future…