Discover art as activism in this new retrospective
Artist, activist, writer and eco-feminist Monica Sjöö (1938-2005) was unwavering in her advocacy for gender justice, eco-feminism, matriarchy and social equities. This retrospective exhibition charts her life work and considers the relationship between art, spirituality and politics.
Tracing the artist’s deep commitment to gender and environmental justice, The Great Cosmic Mother showcases Sjöö’s large-scale paintings created in response to the wide-ranging feminist and environmental campaigns she was actively involved in throughout her life. Sjöö’s prescient artworks were a pioneering form of environmental activism and anticipated politically urgent debates surrounding the climate emergency today.
The exhibition assembles artworks spanning Sjöö’s 40-year career alongside her writing, photographs, activist publications, banners, posters and personal documents to highlight how Sjöö saw creative work as a vital part of life, and art making as a means of reconnecting the alternative values of past cultures to the present. Moving interchangeably between artworks, archival documents and personal artefacts, the exhibition seeks to inspire visitors to reflect how they can find creative expression in all aspects of their lives.
Monica Sjöö: The Great Cosmic Mother is curated by Jo Widoff, Moderna Museet, and Amy Budd, Modern Art Oxford, in collaboration with Moderna Museet, Stockholm and Moderna Museet Malmö, Sweden where it is showing from 13 May – 18 October 2023 and 23 March – 8 September 2024 respectively.
Curator-led Tour:
Join a free curator-led tour of Monica Sjöö: The Great Cosmic Mother
- 26 January 2024 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
- 09 February 2024 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Cosmic Feminism : with Amy Tobin
- 01 February 2024 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Monica Sjöö: The Great Cosmic Mother: 18 November 2023 - 25 February 2024
Further Information: Modern Art Oxford
UPCOMING EVENTS
Children Heard and Seen: Hand in Hand Launch Event
Celebrate the new artwork created by children and young people impacted by parental incarceration.
Saturday 2 December, 10:30-12:30pm. Free, drop-in
MAO Late x Ruskin: Thursday 7 December, 6:30-10pm. Free, booking essential. An evening of performances, conversation, drinks and music centred on creative community and inspiring exchange programmed in collaboration with The Ruskin School of Art
From Saturday 2 December - Sunday 10 December, 20% off limited edition prints, for a truly one-of-a-kind present. Drop into the Café during opening hours to view the editions.