Jacob’s Art Gallery hosts its first showing following the pandemic

Vivacious art pieces attracting a new type of customer

by Kellie Williams

Hidden away on the top floor of Jacob’s Antiques you’ll find the exquisite art exhibition at the West Wharf Art Gallery hosted by Liz, the owner of the gallery who celebrates contemporary art designed and created by locals in the city.

The gallery launched its first showing and reopened its doors to the public on the 26 August 2021 following its closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Featured on the white walls is the work of model, artist, and photographer Maria Vasquez from Peru, who finds beauty in self-expression and her own femininity.

Maria’s vision is to show off and embrace the power of the female body and explore freedom with her self-portrait photography.

The beautiful Maria Vasquez, on the first day of the gallery opening. Image credit: Kellie Williams

Liz, the owner of the gallery said, “Maria really brings sexy back; she’s a strong feminine woman, who takes back control of her own sexuality. She’s truly inspirational to women.”

She added, “Maria has really brought the gallery to life!”

In the eye of the beholder

Specialising in both black and white and coloured pieces showing off her sensual and promiscuous nude silhouette, Maria captures powerful stories that are fun, vibrant, and full of Artist, model, and photographer Maria Vasquez, proud of her new collection. Image credit: Kellie Williams energy.

Self-portrait artist Maria Vasquez on the posters for the gallery’s re-opening event. Image credit: Kellie Williams

One story that stands out in Maria’s collection is her Little Red Riding Hood two-piece set. In the first image Maria is captured in a red cloak facing away from the camera and pushed up against a wall. Maria said that it represents hiding from the male gaze, embodying innocence and being submissive.

In the second, Maria expressed that she is portraying a sense of taking back control of her sexuality. In the piece, Maria is nude and facing towards the camera, still wearing the red cloak. She explained that within the story, she is facing the “wolf” head on, unafraid and in control.

She said, “I tend to hide my face, it’s not about my face; it’s about leaving a mystery, exposing but not giving it all; teasing.”

Capturing empowerment

Maria feels empowered by natural light to create playful shapes with her body and captures the

images using a self-timer feature on her camera, a woman of many talents.

“As an artist, I appreciate light; Light is important in the form of art, it leaves mystery,” said Maria.

Maria’s collection exuberates confidence, she added, “I do the art for myself, it is self-expression, so I don’t seek approval from other people.”

The limited-edition artwork will take you on a journey of sexual exploration and leave you curious to see more. Maria’s pieces can be purchased for £33 for small prints and range up to £2600 for her larger 40 x 30-inch pieces.

The gallery exhibition is available to the public till the 30 September 2021 and its owner Liz encourages everyone to head upstairs and take a look.

Siân Cann presenting her emulsion-crafted polaroid pieces. Image credit: Kellie Williams