The No More Manifesto hosted by SAAS Gallery (Chelsea, London) launches on Thursday 5 March, just ahead of International Women’s Day and Say No More week – a global initiative which aims to end domestic violence and sexual assault.
SAAS Gallery invites you to participate in a new, interactive art installation created by renowned French multidisciplinary artist, actress and film director Frederique Feder, known for movies like Three Colours: Red. As a multidisciplinary artist she has been curated and exhibited by art collector Agnes b., she has also exhibited pieces of photography, painting and sculpture in galleries around the world, including Saatchi Gallery (London), Love Market (Paris), Scope (Miami), Space Gallery (London).
No More Manifesto. Photo by Frederique Feder
The No More Manifesto is a public declaration highlighting the oppression, feelings and behaviours that subjugate people daily, contributing to anxiety and social isolation. The project continues Frederique’s work around the female psyche, a recurring theme in her artwork. The concept was inspired by Frederique’s late mother, who experienced domestic abuse. Frederique explains, “I can still remember the day that my mother got the phone call and she was told to ‘pack a bag and leave’ with me. There and then. She literally had all of her possessions – her life, in that one bag, and she had to start over. It’s a story that I know will resonate with many women, even still today. I wanted to use my art to explore the connection between mental health and self-empowerment. To give something back that might have helped my mother at a time when she was at her lowest.”
Manifesto 3a. Photo by Frederique Feder
The No More Manifesto is a project combining not only 3D, video and photography materials but also live performances on the four Thursdays when Frederique will be in residence. The mechanics of Frederique’s performances are being kept closely under wraps until the launch date as there is an element of public involvement. Members of public will be encouraged to empty their handbags in front of the camera, so that Frederique captures the physical process of the movement and transform it into a piece of art. The intimate space at SAAS Gallery will be completely transformed in order to transport guests into the comfort and safety of a vintage, bygone-era.
The art project has been curated by Lukas Kroulik who has an extensive experience in connecting the art world and charities. With the help of Lukas, Frederique Feder and SAAS Gallery will be supporting Woman’s Trust, a specialist mental health charity which provides free counselling and therapy to women who have experienced domestic abuse.
