Sirens, Women and the Sea
This exhibition explores the story behind the siren, mythological female creatures whose song lured sailors to their deaths. From ancient cultures and mythology to contemporary activist responses, the works in this exhibition take you on a journey of seduction, suffrage, slavery, migration, gender fluidity, climate change, and freedom.
Featuring works from Tate, Leeds Art Gallery, the De Morgan Collection, Royal Academy and Cartwright Hall, this exhibition draws on the Ferens’ own collection and shows it in a way it has never been seen before. Experience works by Pre-Raphaelite superstars John William Waterhouse, Evelyn De Morgan and Edward Burne-Jones, Julie Brook, Abe Odedina, and Emma Stibbon. The exhibition begins with a stunning 5th century BC Greek vase depicting the first known artwork showing the Sirens and Ulysses from the British Museum.
The exhibition will showcase new ‘siren songs’ from folk musician Maddie Morris who is the Ferens Artist in Residence. Maddie has taken inspiration from the characters in Ulysses and the Sirens and worked with community groups, to give them new voices and tell a new ‘Siren Song’. Visitors will be able to listen to the songs in the exhibition while looking at Draper’s siren painting.
Find out more: Sirens, Women and the Sea – Hull Museums and Galleries
Sirens: Out of The Blue
To accompany Sirens, Women and the Sea, the Future Ferens group have responded with an exhibition exploring artistic responses to the story of the Sirens.
The Future Ferens are a group of 18–25-year-old volunteers who are artists, future curators, and creatives. Their exhibition showcases a series of works created by the Future Ferens; the artworks explore themes of gender, myth, and depictions of the siren in recent history.
Find out more: Sirens: Out of The Blue – Hull Museums and Galleries
Access Information
For more information about access, see our helpful guide: Sirens: Women and the Sea and Out of the Blue Access Guide (PDF)
