Leah Rachel Hawker

About

I am a South African multi-disciplinary artist working across ceramics, embroidery, beadwork, collage and photography. I explore re-matriation and systemic violence and I try to envisage new relationships with the feminine and earth through ancestral knowledge and mythology which could have the potential for healing.

Statement

I am a South African multi-disciplinary artist working across ceramics, embroidery, beadwork, collage and photography. Deeply tied to cultural heritage and storytelling I use traditional woman’s handcrafts in much of my practice. My work is informed by women’s knowledge – past and present. I play with contemporary dialogues of societies notions of self-identity and beauty moulded through mass media, and at the same, time try to make sense of ancient lost wisdoms. I explore re-matriation and systemic violence and I try to envisage new relationships with the feminine and earth through ancestral knowledge and mythology which could have the potential for healing. I completed a three-year diploma in photography (with distinction) at Ruth Prowse School of Art in 2005 and at Michaelis UCT for a post graduate degree in 2023 (also with distinction). Both graduate bodies of work looked at the role of mass media on women’s identities and the subsequent consequences on individuals and society. In 2019 I completed a three-year project culminating in the publishing of a photographic documentary book Breastfeeding 101: A Portrayal of the Pleasures and Pains of Breastfeeding (101 colour portraits & 101 women’s stories. A hardcover book with 224 pages ISBN: 978-1-928440-29-1). During 2024 I was a top 12 finalist in the ANNA x Latitudes Awards for women artists in Africa. I’ve placed as a finalist in the Sasol New Signatures Awards, The Vuleka Competition and the Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards. My body of work Safe Spaces was shown as solo in the Cubicle Series at Everard Read Gallery and my solo Seeking the Sacrosanct opened in Alaska during 2026. In 2025 I attended the Water Tower Art Residency in Bulgaria as well as the Cultural & Art Academy residency in Beijing. During 2026 I attended the Chulitna Arts Residency program in Alaska. Between 2024 – 2025 I completed two large scale projects funded by grants supplied by the NAC, both showed in IZIKO South African Museums. I participated in the Motherhood: Paradox/Duality show at the IZIKO South African National Gallery. I have initiated and worked on several curatorial projects, lectured at Western Cape Government seminars and Ruth Prowse Art School. I’ve created photo essays for women’s upliftment projects and organizations in South Africa, Tanzania and Sri Lanka to date.

Exhibitions

Recognition

Commissions

I take on commissions in ceramic, photographic, beaded and embroidered works currently.