Seeing Voices

The life model has long been part of the creative processes for visual artists, deemed one of the most effective ways to improve skill and competence.  Its significance has made it an essential method of classroom teaching for observational study encouraging the importance of time, focus, respect and the considered moment in an information overloaded culture. The historical treatment of females within this profession is one that is not widely discussed or reflected on.   Often considered in the past as a muse, the misogynistic treatment or careless attitude towards female models has been widely accepted and even celebrated at times with hordes of romanticism glossing over the gritty truth of an issue that people are still working hard to eradicate.  Objectivity of women has fallen into many aspects of debate and life drawing in the twenty-first century brings up these culturally significant issues today. Cross-platform artists and curators Tracey Tofield and Laura Lawson have come together with spoken word artist Sky Hawkins to produce Seeing Voices - an exciting exploratory piece, which invites the audience to uncover the usually observed silence of the life model by giving a unique and rare opportunity to hear their voice.  A radical combination of art performance and spoken word, it is a boundary pushing piece that draws attention to current issues surrounding power, gender, nudity, voice and self-esteem alongside educational and philosophical concerns. Please note there will be some adult content and nudity. Seeing Voices will take place at The Northern Charter, Floor 5, Commercial House, Newcastle upon Tyne on Friday 17 October 2014.  Doors open 19.30. Free Event For more information contact [email protected]