Hag. Knowledge, Power & Alchemy through Craft

Hag, which opens at Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries on 8 March, was conceived by Fife Contemporary’s director Kate Grenyer, who – after moving to the area a few years ago – became fascinated by the history of women persecuted during Scotland’s witch trials. “From the grave of Lilias Adie at Torryburn to the story of the mob-murder of Janet Cornfoot at Pittenweem Harbour, the history of these times can feel very alive today."It is particularly noticeable how close this period of history feels when you’re there.”

Reflecting on how witches and their history have become a popular subject matter for campaigners who are turning anger into advocacy and pride, Grenyer tasked independent curator Kate Pickering with turning this historic story of marginalisation and misogyny into a modern exhibition with relevance to today’s audiences. The result is Hag – a craft show that is as original as it is exciting and powerful.

Commissioned by Fife Contemporary, the exhibition claims and redefines the term ‘hag’ for the present day. It celebrates the strength, wisdom, activism, rebelliousness and creativity of 13 craftswomen through a combination of craft objects and portraits of the artists and designers by Scottish photographer, Lydia Smith.

The exhibition unfolds across three gallery spaces where a collection of new work sits alongside archival pieces from leading craftswomen. Emma Louise Wilson’s light reflective silver enamel bowls capture the storms and the seas of her local environment. Fiona Hutchison’s vast tumbling swathes of woven plastics and textiles are juxtaposed with Ruth Elizabeth Jones’ precarious bulbous forms. In contrast, Claire Heminsley presents five ‘Rebellious Aprons’ made of paper. These are the outcome of her research project about the Lee Jeans factory strikes in Greenock in 1981.

Hag’s curator Kate Pickering says she hopes that visitors will be moved by both the craft on show and the important themes underpinning them: “I want people to look beyond the objects and consider the wisdom and knowledge stored in them – I think you can feel it. And I’d like there to be a conversation that happens at the end of this project, and for people to really think about the term ‘Hag.’”

Celebrating the knowledge, power and alchemy mediated by their work, the exhibition sets out to reveal a diversity of craft skills and approaches developed by significant women over decades. The featured artists include Lise Bech, Judith Davies, Caroline Dear, Ruth Elizabeth Jones, Gilly Langton, Jo McDonald, Susie Redman, Patricia Shone, Carol Sinclair, and Amanda Simmons.

Initially some of the artists approached were sceptical about ‘resurrecting’ the term hag. Pickering relates this to the history of witchcraft and links it to ongoing misogyny: “Older women were prosecuted more than younger women – particularly women over 50. They were outspoken, living on the outskirts, and not taking any bullshit! I met with the invited group of artists and we discussed the term. I explained that for me, hearing Sarah MacGillivray’s poem resonated with me, it made me feel powerful and excited about getting older. I guess I’m an aspiring hag.”

After hearing Pickering’s rationale, the group got behind the theme and she began the curatorial process of categorising each artist by materials, wisdom or inspirations. Many resonated with witchcraft, such as animals and symbolism; botanicals; the natural world; and alchemy and activism. All of the participating artists have at least 15 years experience with their craft, and are aged over 50.

The exhibition culminates in a space where visitors will see a film featuring Poem For All The 'Old Hags', a spoken word piece by Sarah MacGillivray. Alongside it is Lydia Smith's extraordinary sequence of portraiture that captures powerful images of the artists at work in their own environments. From the dramatic combustion of earth and air in the raku firing of Patricia Shone’s ceramics on Skye, to the quiet seasonal growth of willow and flax that are built into Lise Bech and Susie Redman’s woven forms in Fife, the portraits take us on a journey through Scottish craft and each women’s commitment to her materials and technique.

As well as its ambitious aims to challenge societal prejudices; the show and accompanying programme seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of experiences that women who engage intensively with their craft bring to contemporary culture. “I want people to respect these women who are doing incredible things and to aspire to be like them – to see that their work is relevant and beautiful and meaningful. These women have made their mark on their industry,” says Pickering.

Visitors to the opening can join an invigorating afternoon of conversation. Novelist Zoe Venditozzi from the Witches of Scotland campaign group will be recording a live version of their hit podcast in conversation with Kate Pickering (talks are £8 and require pre-booking). This will be followed by a panel discussion with exhibiting artists Carol Sinclair and Susie Redman who will share insights into their work and processes, and reflect on how these connect to the context of the exhibition. The event will conclude with a performance by writer and actor Sarah MacGillivray.

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Hag. Knowledge, Power & Alchemy Through Craft, Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, 8 Mar-8 Jun; free entry, open daily; talks on Sat 8 Mar, 1pm-3.15pm ​​

@stacey___hunter @localheroesdesign @fifecontemp @kateandbrutus