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Clare Kenny

Discipline:

Artist

Location:

Basel, Switzerland

ABOUT:

Although originating from a very personal perspective Kenny’s work seeks to resonate with a shared visual consciousness of others, especially those who come from similar working class backgrounds. Indeed, she frequently foregrounds her northern England upbringing, memories of home and the aspirations of the working classes and their determination to better themselves.

The ideas of self-improvement and social mobility encouraged by Thatcherite philosophy of the individual and the decline of manufacturing after the second world war, created a generation of people whose aspirations fell far from the factory floor. Kenny never loses sight of how these formative early experiences have continued to shape how she perceives the world around her and her artistic practice.

WORKS:

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'Working Class Creatives' responds to a need which is too often overlooked in the arts; that of the barriers facing working-class artists from getting on in our sector. They are instrumental in initiating much-needed change that will see the art world become more inclusive and reflect the society it purports to serve. I often search their database in my research, it is a vital resource for any arts professional working in culture today. That they have got this far on so little financial resource is remarkable and I am excited to see what they will achieve with further support.” Beth Hughes, Curator, Arts Council Collection.

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