Women at War
This display begins in 1914 and journeys over hundred years of war and conflict. A series of panels each depict a unique and interesting story including: Mairi Chisholm, Noor Inayat Khan, Linda Kitson, and Alison Baskerville. Using images of and made by these women, their stories shine a light on various roles, such as medical worker, driver, spy, commentator, documentarist, and service member. These images also show the importance of women in their communities, workspaces, and as artistic creators. These images were chosen because of their evocative power and attached narrative.
To create artistic works during wartime would be a deeply emotional experience. These images depict women in various roles but also show how creating art can and is a valuable exercise in facilitating deep and difficult emotions. Some of these images, taken by official photographers show the professional and official side to these roles. Others, taken from personal albums show us the power of friendships and priorities of these individuals through their photography and album-making. The final panel includes an artwork created by artist Oskana Briukhovetska only last year. This piece showcases the female gaze on war and its effects both historically and contemporaneously.
The purpose of this display is to provide reflections on the impacts of war on our minds and bodies across history and today.
About the Student
Rachel Millar is a PhD researcher at University of Glasgow funded by Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities Doctoral Training Partnership. Her research is focused on representations of women’s work in the First World War in visual media. She is particularly interested in artistic works used in centenary commemorative projects on national, regional, and community levels. Her work combines theoretical concepts from history, art history, and museum studies. She holds an MSc in Art History: Collecting and Provenance in an International Context from the University of Glasgow and a BA (Hons) in History from the University of Strathclyde. Rachel is interested in sharing personal stories and sources (such as scrapbooks and photograph albums) to gain a different perspective on huge historical events. This project for International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to share stories of individual’s experiences and showcase the importance of women in this difficult and deeply emotional history.