A NEW exhibition which takes a close look at the role of the artist's model gets underway this weekend at The Folly in Settle.

Translating the Body, which opens on Saturday (October 5), and runs until January next year, sets out to raise questions about ‘art photography’ and the female body, and the power dynamic between art photographer and model.

Overturning the conventionally submissive role of the model, the works in the exhibition are curated by the model, and in some cases produced by her from archived photoshoots handed over by the artists.

The works demonstrate six translations of one female body originating from photographic modelling sessions carried out with artists Ann Evans, Ashwin Vyas, Michael Kilyon, Lois Brothwell and Phil Moody, and also sessions with sculptor Judith Glynn.

A series of craft workshops will take place alongside the exhibition, exploring themes of ageing and the body as depicted in art On November 10, people will be invited to experiment with 'life sculpture with wire' workshop, led by sculptor Judith Glynn.

Participants will be shown how to create a 3D wire sculpture, working from poet and  life model Sue Vickerman.

In 'life Drawing sessions for women', life model Sue  will deliver an untutored life drawing session surrounded by her curated exhibition "Translating the Body".

In breaks, Sue will use trigger questions to chat about ageing as a woman.

The sessions will take place on November 11, November 18, and on November 25; and there will be a further life drawing session for men and women on December 2.

Sue Vickerman said: “The 'male gaze' - Laura Mulvey's thesis that representations of women are always through, and for the pleasure of, men's eyes - has been hotly debated since the 1970s. Arguably it is by now a thing of the past: we are in an age of diversity where models are of all ages and genders, and their equal role as collaborators recognised.

"Meanwhile, new images of the body abound across social media, especially targeting the young. Are artificially-modified images of unattainable perfection - both female and male this time - tyrannising younger generations? Are we oldies thankfully well out of it?”

Caitlin Greenwood of North Craven Building Preservation Trust said: “We’re pleased to be hosting this fascinating exhibition, which has been thoughtfully curated by Sue Vickerman, offering a real insight into an aspect of the art world that doesn’t get much attention. We hope the workshops will also allow our visitors to experiment with a new art-form and enjoy a creative, inspiring craft session.”

The exhibition runs until January 4, 2025. Admission to the museum is free.

Details of the exhibition and workshops, including cost, are available on The Folly’s website. Booking is required for the workshops. Visit https://thefolly.org.uk/whats-on/