Delaine Le Bas's Un-Fair-Ground: A Celebration of Heritage and Identity

Delaine Le Bas's exhibition, Un-Fair-Ground, at the Whitworth Art Gallery, explores themes of land, art ownership, and identity through the lens of her Romany heritage. The exhibition features 20 pieces from the Whitworth’s collection, recontextualizing them to reflect her narrative and experiences as a Romany artist.

The Guardian

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the installation Witch House, which builds upon Le Bas's earlier work, Witch Hunt. Visitors enter a painted cobbled street leading to an inviting home adorned with hand-sewn Serbian shoes and vibrant wallpaper created by Le Bas. This wallpaper, which incorporates elements from the Whitworth’s extensive collection, features personal photographs and political commentary, including a Conservative party policy request that could adversely affect Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. The installation invites viewers to engage with both the warmth of community and the complexities of identity.

The Guardian

In addition to Witch House, the exhibition includes L’Archipel en Feu, a triptych that merges animals, nature, and human figures through hand-stitched and painted fabrics. This work, along with Delainia: 17071965 Unfolding—a video projection on fabric—highlights the fragmented nature of human narratives. The final gallery space, however, contrasts with the vibrant earlier works, presenting a more muted atmosphere with contributions from other artists, including Brazilian sculptor Ana Maria Pacheco and outsider artist Madge Gill. This shift in tone raises questions about the emotional resonance of the exhibition.

The Guardian

Le Bas's work is characterized by a spirit of generosity and warmth, allowing for difficult conversations about heritage and exclusion. The exhibition's title, Un-Fair-Ground, signifies a space for connection rather than a conventional fairground experience. The artist's approach emphasizes the importance of welcoming dialogue around identity and belonging.

The Guardian

While the exhibition has been praised for its innovative approach, some critics have noted a lack of joy in the final gallery space, questioning the emotional impact of the muted works compared to the vibrant earlier installations. This critique suggests a tension between the celebratory aspects of Le Bas's work and the somber realities faced by marginalized communities.

The Guardian

• “Meet your neighbours” — Delaine Le Bas

The Guardian

• “This isn’t Un Fair Ground, a place where all is fair, but an Un-Fair-Ground, where ground is neither fair nor unfair, but just a space for connection – and a glorious, defiant welcome.” — Delaine Le Bas

The Guardian

Un-Fair-Ground serves as a platform for exploring the intersections of art, identity, and social justice. Le Bas's work not only reflects her personal heritage but also invites broader discussions about the representation and rights of marginalized communities in contemporary society. The exhibition underscores the importance of art as a medium for connection and dialogue, challenging viewers to reflect on their own narratives within the larger context of cultural heritage.

The Guardian