Museum helps inspire women’s exhibition

A new exhibition highlighting women’s experiences of domestic abuse is set to open in Perth.

Curated by Perthshire Women’s Aid, ‘Reflection, Reflecting Women’ will open at Perth Museum and Art Gallery on Thursday, October 17.

The project is led by MOJO, a group of women who have experienced domestic abuse who have come together to explore what they want from life, and learn new skills to enhance their opportunities in work and their wellbeing.

Over a number of weeks, the group has visited the museum and worked closely with Culture Perth and Kinross’ learning team to create the display.

They have been drawing inspiration from the museum’s collections by looking at both the current displays and behind the scenes.

Diane Watt, from Perthshire Women’s Aid, said: “The sessions at the museum have brought the group together with a focus on putting their very own exhibition together for the public to see.

“This has empowered the women, given a sense of purpose and boosted their confidence and self-esteem.

“Some have learnt new skills and shared or involved skills they have but not used for a while.”

The exhibition consists of a three-dimensional tree, fallen leaves and butterflies.

The theme of ‘Reflection, Reflecting Women’ came about after a group tour of the museum, beginning with a piece of glass in the ‘Jacobite Clans’ exhibition, which is currently on display at Perth Museum and Art Gallery.

Meanwhile the ‘Wild and Wonderful Gallery’ also provided the women with inspiration, as they chose the oak tree as being symbolic of their journey because the trees’ broad leaves fall every autumn and then regrow each spring.

And the butterflies in the exhibition reflect the transformational change for these women.

The display will be at Perth Museum and Art Gallery until January 28, 2020.