is the largest festival of contemporary art in the UK, with free exhibitions taking place across the city’s public spaces, galleries, museums and online from 20 March – 6 June 2021. The 11th edition of the Biennial, The Stomach and the Port, looks at the body and ways of connecting with the world.
At Tate Liverpool, visitors can see new work by Jamaican-born artist Ebony G. Patterson (b. 1981). Featuring sculptures and an eye-catching wallpaper, Patterson’s work looks back at historical representations of marginalised groups, including Black communities and women. Also on display are works by other prominent feminist artists including Linder (b. 1954), Judy Chicago (b. 1939) and Jutta Koether (b. 1958). Linder and Chicago both use confrontational imagery to explore the representation of women and their bodies, as well as critiquing gender roles. Works by Ithell Colquhoun (1906-1988), one of the most important figures in British surrealism, will also be on display.
You’ll be able to see Estonian artist Anu Põder’s (1947-2013) set of sculptures Tongues 1998, which are cast in soap. Watch as one of these soap sculptures melt in water over the duration of the Biennial.
Other artists in this display include Austrian artist Ines Doujak (b. 1959), South African artist Nicholas Hlobo (b. 1975) and American video and performance artist Martine Syms (b. 1988).
Judy Chicago Through the Flower #2 1972. Courtesy the artist; Salon 94, New York; and Jessica Silverman Gallery, San Francisco. Photo: Donald Woodman/ARS, New York
Ithell Colquhoun Scylla 1938. Photo: Tate