Unicorn Artist Guest Blog: Kathryn Hanna

As part of our upcoming Unicorn exhibition at Perth Museum, we have commissioned 6 artists who identify as queer or part of the LGBTQIA+ community to produce new Unicorn-themed artworks exploring the theme of ‘Unicorn hunting in 2023’. We asked each of our 6 artists to write a blog from their perspective about the process and idea behind their unicorn piece, and what the unicorn means to them in 21st-century Scotland.

Unicorn, the debut exhibition from Perth Museum, explores the rich significance of this beloved mythical creature from antiquity to the present day, through art, science, social movements, and popular culture.  The unicorn’s enduring presence throughout history and its role as a symbol of Scotland’s changing heritage and identity will be explored through iconic loans from around the world,  and interactive displays. The commissioned artworks in this exhibition explore the unicorn as a modern symbol of the LGBTQIA+ community.

This blog is written by our fifth commissioned artist Kathryn Hanna.

Hanna is a sculptor and socially engaged artist, who graduated from the Glasgow School of Art, ‘Sculpture and Environmental Art’ programme in 2017. They have since exhibited both in public spaces, public and private galleries as well as delivering accessible community engagement programmes. They are currently Artist in Residence for North Lanarkshire Country Parks and are the lead artist for South Lanarkshire’s ‘Remembering Together Covid Memorial Project’. Hanna’s work is currently on show at Visual Art Scotland’s centenary exhibition ‘Then and Now’ running 17th February – 19th March.

Kathryn Hanna

My studio practice explores the relationship between the ancient and the modern, particularly through the lens of religion which has permeated my own personal experience as a queer person. My work seeks to provoke thought and discussion around tradition, sacredness, community and queer identities while exploring how spaces and art objects make you think and feel, and how they can become a catalyst for pause and reflection.

I utilise casting processes, often paired with tactile, imitation paintwork such as marble, aged bronze and copper and in this way, I explore craft, authenticity, the passage of time and the notion of antiquity. My work blends a visual language of classical form, liminal object and museum artefact with the aim of imbedding the viewer in a feedback loop of personal reality, informed by the past and indicative of an imagined future.

My artwork for ‘Hunting the Unicorn’ explores the horrific practice of conversion therapy. In 2018, the UK government first announced a change to the law to ban conversion therapy. However, this was followed by almost 5 years of inaction before the promise of a draft bill in January 2023 and now over a year later, a second reading of the bill has reached parliament.

The National LGBT survey (2018) found that 7% of LGBTQIA+ people have been offered or undergone conversion therapy, with Trans people twice as likely at 13%, and asexual people at higher risk at 10%. With the delays and inadequacies of the bill, it is clear to those in the LGBTQ+ community that harms and injustices against our community are not a priority for the government.

Through deconstructing the form of the unicorn my artwork aims to draw attention to current and historical stories of conversion therapy both within the UK and globally. I have used different processes and materials to create the unicorn including, cold casting processes, formwork, paint effects and textiles.

I am delighted to have been selected for this commission and hope the artwork will provide a fitting symbol for our community. I would like to thank Perth Museum for taking on such an important project which gives voice to LGBTQIA+ stories and experiences

You can see Kathryn Hanna’s artwork when Unicorn opens on 30 March 2024 at the new Museum. Book your tickets now.