FORWARD's Artists Unite to End FGM project presents Hidden Scars, an exhibition exploring harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and other similar issues affecting African girls and women, both in Africa and in the global African diaspora.

This exhibition aims to highlight the physical and mental trauma suffered by many women due to these practices, the art inspires hope, focuses on the strength of survival and also celebrates African girls and women. The exhibition is being held to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls.

It features the works of 9 female artists: Phillipa Kate Weaver:www.philippakate.com
Fio Adamson: www.fio-adamson.com
Farida Makki: www.instagram.com/farida_makki_art/?hl=en 
Iris Legendre: http://irislegendre.com/ 
Aga Tamiola: www.agatamiola.com
Sarrah El-Bushra: https://sarrahelbushra.wordpress.com/ 
Linett Kamala: https://linettkamala.com/ 
Gloria Ojulari Sule: www.gloriaojularisule.com

The opening night Friday 1st Dec 6.30pm-9pm (poetry, discussion and music to start 7.30pm) features drinks reception, spoken word from Cherelle Salmon (former FORWARD youth advocate), Ethio-jazz music by the incredible Hanisha Solomon and discussion. Speakers include Gavin Weston, Author of Harmattan/FORWARD Ambassador and co-curator of this exhibition. Please register here.

Hanisha Solomon is a rising Ethiopian star based in London she has the extraordinary talent of singing in Amharic, Oromiffa & Arabic, her songs are a mix of Ethio-jazz, reggae and soul.

Hanisha has collaborated with a range of stars such as Dennis Bovell, Femi Kuti and Didier Awadi. She is an artist that performs internationally so we are lucky she is able to join us for this special night. 

See here for full opening times for the duration of the exhibition.