LDN WMN Project
LDN WMN is a series of eye-catching public artworks across London from 18 October. These have been created by women and non-binary artists, inspired by unsung women heroes from the city’s history.
Heather Agyepong explores a lesser-known side of Mary Seacole's life, with a self-portrait that celebrates this famous nurse's use of herbal remedies. Seacole believed in traditional natural medicine, which she learned about from her mother in the Caribbean.
Agyepong has focused not just on Seacole's compassion and dedication, but also her bravery. “Her fearlessness in defying the socio-economic boundaries laid at her feet are inspirational to other marginalised communities who feel silenced in today's world,” says the artist. In her piece, Agyepong reimagines herself as Seacole, wandering through Epping Forest in search of herbal remedies to help the wounded – a reflection not just on the nurse's life's work, but also on the importance of clean air and open spaces in London.
Agyepong's work takes over a wall at the Cockpit theatre in Marylebone, not far from Paddington where Seacole passed away in 1881. The Cockpit theatre is an example of 1970s Modernist architecture and the only purpose-built theatre-in-the-round in the south east.
As well as performances, the work Cockpit create explores the Theatre of Ideas and Disruptive Panache: work that has something different to say and an exciting way of saying it. It also presents contemporary music events, kids’ shows, classes and professional development courses, including its new Theatre Maker strand.
With thanks to the Cockpit Theatre for the site.
18-28th November, The Cockpit Theatre
