Su mmerhall, Edinbu rgh u ntil September 27

A LOCAL artist is taking part in a controversial Edinburgh art exhibition that banned men for the first three weeks of its run.

Newport-based Jill Skulina is one of around 30 female artists from Scotland, the UK and overseas exhibiting in the show called OWWO (Only Women, Women Only).

The exhibition featuring paintings, photography, sculpture and film went on show at new Edinburgh art venue Summerhall at the start of the month and the decision to “ban” men until last Sunday was met with a backlash by some women.

Curator Sarah Wilson had been bracing herself for angry men, but was instead met with criticisms from women who felt the female-only policy was sexist and discriminatory.

Fringe comedian Sean Hughes wandered into the exhibition and was politely asked to leave by Sarah.

He later tweeted that people should try to visit Summerhall, saying: “The whole place has a lovely vibe. Don’t ask how I know but the woman only section is great.”

Jill Skulina, who works out of WASPS (Workshop and Artists’ Studio Provision Scotland Ltd) at Meadow Mill Studios, Dundee was asked to take part in the exhibition by Sarah Wilson, who is a good friend of hers.

And it’s something of a family affair, as Jill’s mother – the Cupar-based artist Liz Skulina – also has work in the show. Jill agrees that the decision to ban men was something of a PR stunt, but also says there are good reasons why men were not welcome in the early weeks of the show.

“It wasn’t supposed to be that serious but some people have been taking it seriously!” she explained.

“Women in particular appeared to be very angry about it.”

The exhibition covers subjects like body image, cosmetic surgery and the representation of the female form.

Jill went on to say it was always the plan to open the exhibition up to men after a few weeks.

In the early stages there were gallery talks by artists and also the opportunity for visitors to draw from life models and one of the main reasons men were excluded was so these things could happen in private.

Curator Sarah described the setting as: “a calm meeting place for likeminded female artists.”

Summerhall is housed in the former Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh and is the capital’s newest arts venue with a theatre, gallery spaces, libraries, small museums, educational and research programmes, studios and workshops.

The exhibition is open to all.

For more information, visit: or telephone:

Jill Skulina.