Soft Power: lives told through textile art is an international exhibition curated by internationally-renowned textile art pioneer, Professor Alice Kettle, with curator of international textiles, Professor Lesley Millar MBE.

Exhibiting artists:

Alice Kettle, Alice Maher, Amneh Shaikh-Farooqui, Anurita Chandola, Audrey Walker, Enam Gbewonyo, Ellen Sharples, Erin M Riley, Jane Poulton, Kani Kamil, Kari Steihaug, Lasmin Salmon, Lise Bjorne Linnert, Margaret Nicholson, Mona Craven, Maryam Wahid, Paula Reason, Philippa Lawrence, Pippa Hetherington, Rachel Fallon, Reiko Koga, Sabine Kaner, Sarah-Joy Ford, Shelly Goldsmith, Suzumi Noda, Susie MacMurray.

Soft Power highlights how cloth can play a unique role in telling our stories and is used to communicate life’s journey. As something we encounter daily, cloth creates an immediate connection between the artist and the viewer, making these stories feel familiar and relatable. 

The artworks focus on storytelling. They bring to light personal and collective experiences, from the autobiographical and hidden struggles of marginalised individuals to stories shaped by major events like the pandemic. 

The works share intimate and emotional portrayals of self-expression while making bold statements about empowerment and change. They highlight how cloth can connect women across cultures, recording and reflecting their experiences.