Franki Raffles, Margaret Salmon

a person looks at a computer screen in a projected film

unusual objects sit on a table. black and white photos are mounted on a green wall behind

A pile of vintage-seeming plates are stacked on a circular table

black and white images pinned to a green wall in the distance

Lots of small objects sit on two tables, black and white images are displayed on a wall in the background

paintbrush and small dish sit on a book called 'Invisible Women'

red balls on an red plastic chair, a globe underneath the chair

Chapter Thirteen at The Pearce Institute

Chapter Thirteen presented an exhibition that focused a close lens on women at work in Govan, before and during COVID-19. Home Economics drew attention to feminist economic theory, considering the gender disparities in waged and unpaid labour that underpins society. The exhibition included photographs by Franki Raffles from 1989, archival material related to women working in local shipyards and Surplus, a new project by Margaret Salmon that generated – in the artist’s words – ‘an emotive, intuitive discussion of value, production and hope’ with the audience.

Produced over the last two years, Surplus was a presentation of objects, photographs and a 35mm film, Icarus (after Amelia), that reflected on narratives of gender, race, class and labour in contemporary Britain. The film was produced through a long process of conversation, observation and creative collaboration with people including musician Tracyanne Campbell, Professor Sara Cantillon, writer Maria Fusco and workers from local businesses and social enterprises including Govan HELP, Morris & Spottiswood and Starter Packs Glasgow.

Curated by Kirsteen Macdonald

Supported by Glasgow International. With thanks to University of St Andrews Libraries and Museums and University of Glasgow Library