Degree: Photography
University: Edinburgh College of Art
Graduation Year: 2023
Eleanor Whitbread creates experimental photographs to explore issues such as gender, the glass ceiling and the inescapable barriers that limit women in society. She represents this glass ceiling and these invisible yet omnipresent barriers for women by shooting through a translucent screen that enhances shadows and blurs details. She is greatly inspired by the book Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez which exposes the gender bias that affects women daily though is often hidden.
As an artist, I am interested in the relationship of gender within society. Through my recent work, I have been exploring the concept of the glass ceiling and the pervasive barriers that limit women. My creative focus has been on developing a visual metaphor that conveys the impact of this issue, using physical materials to bring it to life. In my work, I have chosen to work with a translucent screen that casts shadows when touched or interacted with. This screen represents the invisible barriers that women face in their personal and professional lives. Through the physical interaction between the plastic screen and the human body, I aim to convey a powerful message from the book 'Invisible Women', highlighting how bias is often unseen but has profound effects. My artwork is infused with colour, which serves as a powerful visual tool to capture the attention of viewers and encourage contemplation.
(2023) The Big Light, Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh
(2023) Escalate, Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh
(2022) Washed Away, Portobello Promenade, Edinburgh
(2022) Three, Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh
(2023) The Helen A Rose Bequest