Jane feels that the women the Trust works with are too often referred to as ‘an addict’ or ‘a prisoner’ and feels strongly that no one is one dimensional and furthermore it is the multiplicities in women that bind us together. A publication created to support the initiative was distributed among the women the Trust serve with a space to list the things they identify as being, without judgment or justification. One might be an addict, but they could also be a mathematician, a mother, a lawyer, a nurse and so on.  

The collated responses have been used as an inspiration for the artwork created for the auction by such luminaries as Claudette Johnson known for her large scale paintings of black women; ‘Punjabi, Liverpudlian’ Dr. Chila Kumari Burman whose joyous work has been adorning the Tate Britain since Diwali; Japanese born, Brooklyn based artist Yui Kugimiya whose work is unique in its use of traditional painting techniques to create quirky stop-motion animations and Antonia Showering whose lockdown year included a White Cube show and representation by Timothy Taylor.  

“The I AM publication has had a tremendous response from the women that the Trust supports and the artists have been very keen to create their responses. These times call for empathy and the artistic community can always be relied upon to step up.” - Gemma Peppé, Art on a Postcard

The Cause

Jane Shea and Julia Sheehan both coordinate the Hepatitis C Trust's women's prison team. Having first met as inmates and reconnected in the Hepatitis C Trust's offices, the pair found an opportunity to reach women in prisons and encourage an environment where women feel free to talk, come forward and get tested.

Our prisons are full of women who should not be incarcerated but who are in need of help and support through other means. Women in vulnerable positions are less likely to come forward and ask for help for fear of the implications and increased exposure. By addressing women's needs, some women can avoid getting caught up in the criminal justice system and have their problems addressed in a more appropriate setting. Women with addiction issues are more likely to have hepatitis C. The prevalence of hepatitis C among women in prison is higher than in the male prison cohort. Getting tested and treated is a crucial step in rehabilitating women's health and lives. 

Follow the link here to listen to the Art on a Podcast with Jane Shea and Julia Sheehan, where they explain more about the cause!

AUCTION DETAILS
This is a timed online auction running from Thursday 25 February - Thursday 11 March 2021. 

Bidding starts at £50. There is no buyer's premium applicable on lots in this auction.

Browse the auction
View page turning catalogue

About Dreweatts
About Art on a Postcard
About The Hepatitis C Trust