El Gleghorn

Artist CV

eleanorose1999@gmail.com

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As a sculptural artist, El Gleghorn’s work focuses on the topic of feminism. More specifically the empowerment of women and beauty standards. Throughout her practice so far, Gleghorn has come to realise that she enjoys covering a wide range of issues that relate to feminism in her work. Her strong personal interest in topics such as sexism, inequality and toxic beauty standards drives her to continue the development of her practice, making her want to spread the context behind her pieces even more. Gleghorn hopes that her work will educate people on these issues, or help to start open conversations that are traditionally seen as ‘man-hating’ or pointless.

The hyper-feminine characteristics used to decorate her sculptures is significant, as it adds to the gender stereotypes and inequality context behind her pieces. Gleghorn uses a wide range of materials throughout her practice. Notably, she has found that the use of specific materials is not an important element in her work, and finds herself using whatever material is best fitting to execute the ideas behind each piece. Gleghorn takes inspiration from a variety of different historical and contemporary women (these including, but not limited to: artists, writers and activists) such as Jessica Walsh and Emmeline Pankhurst. These inspiring women influence Gleghorn to strive for equality and peace through making sculptures.

Additionally, context is a very significant element in her pieces, as she has found that conducting research on the topic of feminism has led to the discovery of incredibly portentous stories throughout history, her particular interest being that of British suffrage. Gleghorn is well trained in the use of many materials as well as artistic techniques and processes, all of which come in useful for each type of work she wishes to execute, giving her the artistic freedom to make a variety of different artwork.

Throughout her career thus far, Gleghorn has had a strong interest in advertising and merchandising, influencing her to consider the ability of her practice in a wider perspective. She has created pieces of work that can be disseminated easily, pushing towards the activism behind her practice, and the hope that her work can be seen by anyone; for anyone should have the chance to become educated on the issues showcased in Gleghorn’s work. Her artwork wholeheartedly aims to educate people and enact change. 

Gleghorn’s most recent work, Barbie and Botox  (2024) is a duo of cake sculptures. The first cake Barbie points towards the idea of perfection, as well as the history of harmful beauty standards that have been pushed onto women for decades. Botox is inspired by the modern day beauty enhancements/procedures that are available all across the world. The piece references how in demand these procedures are, and how excessive they can be.

With these sculptures, Gleghorn hopes to start a conversation, and to share that women do not need to always look perfect and that women don't exist to satisfy the male gaze. 

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El Gleghorn is an artist originally from Sunderland UK, but began professionally establishing her practice at The Northern School of Art in Hartlepool, UK. Gleghorn is currently studying on MA Art's Practice at The Northern School of Art. 

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