SCULPTURE

Blooming

'Blooming' continues the exploration of Little's work with manipulating steel wire into art highlighting women's ongoing struggle for equality.

Women's rights have come far since the 50's where a divorce or pregnancy would throw a girl out of society and her job. Yet we are not equal, and some crucial rights are currently slipping away.

Little's manipulated household objects become arresting (Dys)function-al objects. She has woven wires blending tight form and chaos into artworks full of vibrancy and tension. In others she has interpreted needlepoint with wood, wire and wax with reference to tasks women held historically. The constant repetition of thousands of small actions, her work demands, it echo's the daily grind of housewives repeating mundane household tasks.

Women have bloomed over time with considerable effort, yet to fully flourish we must unite to gain control over our bodies and lives.

‘Blooming’ was on view at the Hudson Gallery, Hood College in Frederick, MD from March 17-April 4, 2025.

Works have been shown at Adah Rose Gallery, Amy Kaslow Gallery and The Katzen at American University 2025.

“Although her works are made of common, seemingly benign, everyday home-making materials, Kirsty Little creates assemblages that “blossom” into emblems of empowerment. On the surface, Kirsty’s blooming manifestations of wire, wax, pins, wood and acrylic create the appearance of calm, acquiesce, and uninterrupted beauty, but, on closer inspection, the works become embodiments of tension that turn art into activism. This critical re-working of “en-gendered” materials is the vehicle through which the artist confronts societal conflicts that continue to threaten the rights of women today.”

— Tim Brown - Hillyer Gallery (read the full review here)