Rosalind Barker

Puzzled, Token Woman Series 2021 0.05 Pigment liner dots on translucent paper.

This series of 24 drawings that make up a full puzzle is currently unframed. Each drawing is 23 x 23 cm square. Framed together 1 metre by 1. 50cm, the 24 drawings framed separately will give greater curiatorial flexibility

The Token Woman Series (2018 – ongoing)

I replicate original illustrations from a set of 1892 Encyclopaedias bought at my school jumble sale and cherished for a lifetime. The original tiny engravings reflect the absence of females in these tomes of knowledge aimed at celebrating and storing historical fame and success.

My ‘dot’ drawings echo both the engravers mark and contemporary issues of women’s status and acknowledgement in our society. The shape and title of each drawing reflects what 21st Century women still must do to ‘succeed’ be ‘acknowledged’ and ‘worthy’ of recording for posterity.

‘Puzzled’ mirrors both this idea and women’s increased constraints and occupations during 2020- 2021.

Puzzled