‘Cindy Sherman and Phyliss’ Crucifix’ is the new upcoming exhibition by artist Winniemay or Donna Poingdestre as some people know her. It is being held at The Corner Collective on Albert Road from the 10th October.
Exhibition Highlights
Exploring familial memory and identity through the forgotten photograph, a random late-night conversation with Cindy Sherman and an absent crucifix owned by Phyliss is the talking point of the new exhibition!
The exhibition called ‘Cindy Sherman and Phyliss Crucifix’ is an extension of the themes the artist has been working on about familial memory perceived and experienced. Donna said, “There is a shift in my practice for this exhibition, I’ve been using a combination of found photographs and some images of the artist Cindy Sherman. My painting style has paired back during this process as I redact the context and situation where each figure is situated.”
“I messaged Sherman a few years ago to ask her if I could use an image as a reference for a project, not expecting an answer or permission. I got both through a series of messages. Until now, dedicating the time to working on the project has never felt quite right. So I am happy that my research and planning have come to fruition now.”
“Referring back to a previous piece ‘ Mum and Elvis are Dead’ which I painted in 2022, I only have two photographs of my deceased mother, and the piece painted was a perceived image of an idealisation mother image. Working with both the found photographs and Cindy’s images is an extension of this work as I and the viewers see images of women we don’t know but on some level recognise.”
Arriving Back From London
Speaking of the exhibition, Donna said, “This is my first solo show in Portsmouth and at the Corner Collective since returning from London and I’m really looking forward to it. I am beyond thrilled to be back in my city and to be involved with such projects as the Women In Art which took place in March 2024. It was a celebration of female artists across the city and was held at Aspex, Artspace and Hotwalls. I have also enjoyed being one of the directors of @artup CIC which raised funds for the recent Look Up Portsmouth festival and was both exhausting and brilliant. The success of this second event held across the city speaks volumes with the recent media coverage and analysis of the murals and the impact they have on a city like Portsmouth. It has involved me working with young and identified vulnerable children within our city and I find that rewarding.”
Winniemay’s Bio
Donna has been a full-time artist since 2017 and always had a style in the past that I felt was very distinctive: Often using strong images of women in her artwork. Working on both large and small scale projects, the artist has worked hard to carry on developing her style.
Having studied at Portsmouth College of Art and Design, Donna went on to graduate from Portsmouth University in 1994 with a BA Hons in media and 3D design. Around the same time, she started set painting at The Royal Opera House, which was a great opportunity to show off her large scale work.
In the past, Winniemmay has exhibited solo and as part of a collaboration in gallery spaces, painted street art as well as worked internationally. On a local level, she did her first show ‘Unsheltered Bones‘ at Play Dead Studio (based in Southsea) in 2017. This allowed some great pieces to be displayed and a collection that built over time when she had her studio space with the Fire Monkey crew at Hotwall Studios.
Fans of the artist will remember a collaboration exhibition back in 2021 called Lipstick Traces where Donna worked with local artist Roo Abrook. The pair created a series of works that were very different from eachother but still had the essence of both their styles.
To see Donna grow as an artist has been exciting and fulfilling as she has stepped away from the island city for the big smoke and then ventured back with stories to tell and a Master’s degree in tow but also more experience. She said, “I’m still the co-director of our artist-led gallery in Highgate London called the Both Gallery which showcases contemporary art and I am hoping to use this space with Portsmouth artists in the future.”
Interaction
Having interaction with the audience is always an exciting part of any artist’s work. Donna is looking forward to the opening of this new show. She said, “There will be an opportunity for visitors to interact with me during the exhibition which will inform and shape the next stage of this project which I’m excited about as you never know how people will respond to this invite or how their participation will inform the project moving forward.”
“There are so many more links in my head and heart about how this particular exhibition has evolved, I haven’t even mentioned who Phyliss is yet but hopefully it will become clear at the exhibition.”
Well, if you are as intrigued as me to know who Phyliss is, then you will definitely need to head down to the Albert Road Gallery and find out.
Newsletter
There will be a NEWSLETTER that talks about the process and offers updates on the project. Anyone who signs up to the newsletter before the 20th of October can get a 30% portrait commission discount if booked before the 14th of February 2025. They will also be thrown into a draw for an exhibition print and the winner will be announced on the 20th of October. You can sign up to the newsletter here contact@donnapoingdestreartist.com
‘Cindy Sherman and Phyliss’ Crucifix’ at The Corner Collective on Thursday the 10th of October 6-9 pm. All welcome.
10th-20th October Thursday/ Saturday 11-4 pm Sundays 11-3 pm
