Valda Jackson: Miss Polly at the RWA

About

Valda Jackson: Miss Polly, showcases a powerful and evocative installation by esteemed writer and artist Valda Jackson MBE RWA. This thought-provoking exhibition, featuring spoken word, text, sculpture, and painting, delves into the realms of neurological research and the concept of the 'unfinished brain.'

Valda Jackson's work explores the idea that we are born incomplete and live as works in progress, with critical neural circuitry developing after birth, particularly during crucial growth periods in infancy. A poignant aspect of her work is influenced by the discourse surrounding the experiences of 'Generation Windrush.' While parents travelled to Britain to make a new start, many young children were left behind in their home countries. Her perspective aims to create a space for both celebration and mourning, acknowledging the complex narratives within this historical context.

The timing of this exhibition is particularly significant, coinciding with the display of the portrait exhibition "Windrush: Portraits of a Pioneering Generation" in the RWA Methuen Gallery, on loan from the Royal Collections Trust.

Additionally, it aligns with the centenary of the birth of American writer and activist James Baldwin, adding another layer of depth to the Windrush 75 celebrations.
Valda Jackson: Miss Polly promises to be a visually striking and emotionally resonant exhibition, inviting audiences to contemplate the complexities of the human experience and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.

Image: Valda Jackson MBE RWA, At Home With Molly, charcoal and pastel on paper 58 x 41cm

This exhibition has been made possible by the kind support of Arts Council England.