Exhibition Open: 03-08 September, 11:00-17:00
Late Night Opening: Fri 06 Sep, 17:00-19:00
An exhibition of expressive oil paintings sheds light on the often unspoken subject of baby loss. Sue Bridge has created a poignant collection inspired by the personal experiences of Global Health Journalist Tulip Mazumdar (formerly BBC), who was captivated by Sue’s sea swimmer paintings. “Solace of the Sea” is Sue’s artistic response to Tulip’s moving story of finding solace in cold water swimming after losing two babies mid-pregnancy. This collection encapsulates the imagined experience of meeting one’s baby in a watery world, evoking the brief moments of life they carried. Sue’s paintings bring beauty to the pain and grief of this deeply emotional experience, highlighting an aspect of loss that is rarely discussed or seen.
Sue’s work focuses on themes of women’s health and well-being, driven by personal experiences and family history. She was particularly motivated to explore the subject of baby loss after discovering that a baby in her family had lived for just 25 minutes in 1932. Although her Grandma had never spoken about it, Sue found a death certificate in online records, giving baby Margaret Bridge a name and date. This personal connection has made Solace of the Sea profoundly resonant. Additionally, Sue’s empathy is enriched by her own experiences of anxiety-ridden pregnancies.
About The Artist
Sue Bridge studied Visual Communication in Birmingham and became a designer, animator and illustrator in London, spanning 30 years at the BBC. A yearning for authentic self expression and more meaningful work brought her to painting. She undertook further study in fine art attending Slade Summer School in 2014, and Fine Art Professional Development at Tonbridge Art School before finally moving to Folkestone in 2016, to become part of thriving art community in the Creative Quarter. She won the Cass Art Prize for most innovative use of colour in 2023. She has been selected several times for Mall Galleries. Gagosian Associate Director Péjú Oshin personally selected her for her section at Discerning Eye 2023. Her animations have been shown at The Turner Contemporary and The Photographers Gallery, London.
For those in need of support, information will be on display signposting further help.
Artist Talk with Sue Bridge and Tulip Mazumdar hosted by Sarah Lloyd:
Saturday 7 September, 16:30-17:30
Wave of Light Candle Lighting Marking Baby Loss Week:
Tuesday 15 October, 19:00-20:00
Follow Sue on Instagram and visit her website for more about her and her work.