Over the weekend of International Women’s Day, the East End was taken over with art and creative energy. Women artists took over galleries, transformed spaces, and held live painting jams. A true celebration of female togetherness through art. The result, a bold showcase of talent, resilience, and solidarity.
Aida Wilde’s ‘OTHER Pr.1 & the Stories of Others’
Aida Wilde’s solo exhibition, ‘OTHER Pt.1 & the Stories of Others‘, was a real stand out. Displayed in one of the rooms at 123 Bethnal Green Road, the show was deeply personal. Delving into themes of survival, identity, and exclusion. Wilde’s work has long been known for its unapologetic social commentary, and this show was no exception. In her opening speech, she stressed the importance of amplifying unheard voices:
“It is about giving the opportunity to under-represented women to share work.”
Visitors were confronted with thought-provoking pieces. Works that challenged societal norms and reflected the struggles of those often pushed to the margins.
Nasty Gallery’s Group Show: A Collective Exploration of Identity
In the adjacent room, Nasty Gallery hosted a group exhibition featuring a diverse mix of artists. they included Paige Megan Hawley, CW Stubbs, Apparan, Lior Hatt, and Boa Swindler. This dynamic group show expanded on similar themes of belonging, resilience, and the idea of being an “Other” in society.
Nasty Women has helped me to understand what my work is really about. The importance of art to empower women and the support I needed from a collective – Apparan
Alongside the artwork, the space became a hub for creative exchange. Visitors could take part in artist surgeries, life drawing workshops, spoken word performances, and mental health sessions. The overlap between Wilde’s solo show and the group exhibition created a blended experience. Allowing guests to experience a range of artwork and to engage with the artists on a more personal level.
Through Her Eyes: All Female Group Show at Stolen Space
Over at StolenSpace Gallery, another striking exhibition. Through Her Eyes, presented a diverse collection of works by women artists. Carefully curated to showcase a wide spectrum of styles. The exhibition spanned the surreal and ethereal to the bold and defiant.
Exploring the saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. The show blended dreamy environments with surrealism, transporting visitors into the artists’ worlds of fantasy and imagination. Through brushstrokes, sculpture, and mixed media, the exhibition provided a space where female artists could share their stories without limitation.
WOM Collective’s Paint Jam: A Sisterhood of Street Artists
Meanwhile, out on the streets, the WOM Collective hosted a vibrant paint jam in the spring sun. Street artists gathered at Brick Lane’s Allen Gardens to create large-scale murals filled with colour, energy, and messages of strength.
The event fostered sisterhood. Established artists collaborating with emerging talent. All exchanging ideas, techniques, and stories. More than just a painting session, it was a moment of solidarity—women supporting women. Celebrating their shared passion for street art in an environment filled with great vibes and creative synergy.
“Women Can Do Anything” Mural: A Mural on Redchurch Street
On the walls of Richmix on Redchurch Street four artists combined to create a mural. Called ‘Women Can Do Anything’. It brought together the styles of Karc, Elle, Lours and Tash. It was organised and supported by Global Street Art.
Each artist brought their own story to the wall. Blending personal narratives, abstract forms, and bold symbolism to challenge stereotypes and to honour the many sides of womanhood.
Karc, an abstract artist, reflected on the significance of the project from her perspective:
“Historically, abstract art on canvas has been more associated with male artists than female ones. Even in the context of street art, there are fewer women than men painting the streets. Us as women creating these pieces, we make a statement that we can do anything!”
Girls Up Paste-Up Meetup: Transforming Seven Stars Yard
Similarly embracing the spirit of sisterhood and collaboration. The ‘Girls Up Paste-Up Meetup‘, was organised by Art House Project and London International Paste-Up Festival. It invited local women to explore paste-up as an artistic form.
This initiative revitalised the façade of the emblematic Seven Stars Yard. Bringing it to life with bold colours and messages of support for the cause. The renewed space radiated fresh artistic energy, demonstrating how street art can transform urban spaces into meaningful expressions of community.
Paloma Rodriguez’s Paste-Up Pearls: Messages of Empowerment
The final artistic flourish of the weekend came from Paloma Rodriguez, whose paste-ups became scattered gems across Brick Lane. Following her workshop at Rich Mix, powered by Mental Creations, her delicate yet powerful works highlighted themes of women’s empowerment.
These small but striking pieces left a trail of inspiration and strength throughout the city. Turning the streets into a canvas for quiet but profound statements of resilience and solidarity. Rodriguez’s work served as a reminder that art doesn’t have to be large-scale to make an impact. Sometimes, the smallest interventions carry the deepest messages.
Over the Women’s Day weekend (8th-9th March 2025), the East End hosted art events celebrating women. This article was a collaboration between Inspiring City and Apparan from the Art House Project. With thanks to Carolina Lopes, Apparan and Susi Foxy Art for additional photos.
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