MATRESCENCE

Liminal Gallery is delighted to announce the second exhibition in their new permanent home in Margate. ‘Matrescence’ brings together the work of four artists Mothers, curated by a Mother, with a portion of sales going to local non-profit organisation MAMA to MAMA.The term ‘Matrescence’ is the physical, emotional, psychological, hormonal and social transition to becoming a mother. The term, originally devised by anthropologist Dana Raphael, draws similarities to adolescence as children mature into adults, with raging hormones and bodily changes. Matrescence brings many new mothers comfort in understanding the monumental metamorphosis they experience. 

The artists Catherine Lette, Sarah Maple, Jennifer Nieuwland and Alexis Soul-Gray explore this concept in their works in varying ways. From the bold, brutal reality alongside a dose of good humour. Liminal Gallery Founder and Director, Louise Fitzjohn, who is also a Mother, brings together works from these four artists, which highlight the invisible ways in which we care for our children, the expectations society has of the ‘perfect mother’ and the unrealistic reality of this, the carving out of a new identity, the physical and emotional juggling act, alongside the unconditional and overwhelming love for your own creation.
Liminal Gallery and the artists are delighted to support local Margate-based social enterprise and non-profit organisation MAMA to MAMA, with 10% of all sales donated to them and the work they do to ensure that no Mother is left unprepared for their baby, providing clothes and equipment for baby and mother to the most underprivileged across Thanet.

MAMA to MAMA was founded by Margate Mama Jayne Furniss. They wash, package and distribute beautiful boxes of preloved baby clothes and essentials through referrals from social care and community workers. The mamas who receive these boxes are experiencing one or more of the following challenges: living in poverty, escaping domestic abuse, leaving the care system, single parenthood.
Each box is individually curated to ensure there is a coherent collection for a new baby's wardrobe.

Liminal Gallery specialises in the representation of emerging to mid-career contemporary artists working across the UK and Ireland, showcasing the internationality and diversity of artists working across the countries. With artists at their core, Liminal seeks to nurture and encourage emerging talent, fostering a collaborative community to provide an exciting programme of specially curated exhibitions.

CATHERINE LETTE

Catherine Lette is a painter from Cornwall now living and working in South London. With a BA in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins Lette has developed her painting practice over the past few years at Turps Art School.

SARAH MAPLE

Award winning visual artist known for her bold, brave, mischievous artworks that challenge notions of identity, religion and the status quo. Much of Maple's inspiration originates from her mixed religious and cultural upbringing.

JENNIFER NIEUWLAND

Jennifer Nieuwland, lives and works in London. She is Dutch and spent her formative years in Milan. She was mostly self-taught before embarking on an MA in Fine Art at City and Guilds of London Art School, completed in October 2021.

ALEXIS SOUL-GRAY

Alexis Soul-Gray (b.1980), lives and works in Devon and graduated from an MA Painting at The Royal College of Art in 2023. She is alumni of The Royal Drawing School having completed the Postgraduate Drawing Year between 2006-7.