A bold and uplifting new exhibition has opened
A vibrant new exhibition has opened across two Hull museums, celebrating 20 historical women who changed the world. The collection features the work of Doncaster-based artist Chinwe Russell, whose big, bold paintings bring a vivid energy to the stories of scientists, artists, and civil rights pioneers.
The exhibition, hosted at the Streetlife Museum and Wilberforce House Museum, serves as a visual journey through centuries of female achievement. Visitors can expect to see powerful portrayals of iconic figures such as Marie Curie and Florence Nightingale, alongside women whose significant contributions have often remained in the shadows of historical narratives.
Chinwe Russell, a Nigerian British visionary artist, found the spark for this collection through an unexpected source. Speaking on the origins of the project, she said: “In 2018, I watched a Netflix series called ‘Magnificent Century.’ This was the beginning. In that series, I discovered the incredible story of Hurrem Sultan, an Ottoman queen. The story traced the rise of this young ambitious slave who battled against all odds to become the official queen of Suleiman the Magnificent. How did a slave girl become the queen of one of the most important empires in the world? The story of Hurrem was the inspiration behind this collection, women who battled against all odds to change the world around them.”
The collection took eighteen months to complete and has been touring the United Kingdom for several years before its arrival in East Yorkshire. Russell noted the breadth of the subjects featured, ranging from royalty to modern inventors.
“This exhibition has been travelling around the UK since 2021 and is making a stop here for the next two and a half months. It’s a body of work that took a year and a half to create. It is celebrating women around the world who have battled against all odds to change their circumstances and rise above limitations that were imposed upon them, and ended up changing the world around them.
“It includes very well known women but also lesser known women like like Stephanie Kwolek who invented the Kevlar, so it’s about a celebration of women around the world and their incredible achievements.”
Local leaders have welcomed the arrival of the artworks, noting the educational value they bring to the city centre. Councillor Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure said: “It is fantastic to see such a bold and educational exhibition opening in the heart of Hull. From science to healthcare, these twenty women changed the course of history, and seeing their stories brought to life through such striking art is a real treat for our residents and visitors. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to be inspired this season.”
The exhibition can be seen on display at the Streetlife Museum and Wilberforce House Museum until Sunday 12 April. Find out more at HullMuseums.co.uk.
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here.