Maggie Scott’s ‘Five Times More’ Exhibition at Hastings Contemporary Highlights Racial Disparities in Maternal Mortality
Hastings Contemporary is currently hosting “Sussex Spotlight,” a series of exhibitions featuring local artists. The latest installment showcases the powerful work of Maggie Scott, a Hastings-based artist whose exhibition, “Five Times More,” explores themes of motherhood, identity, and racial inequality. The exhibition is free to view and runs until March 15, 2026.
Exploring Motherhood and Identity Through Art
Maggie Scott’s work is deeply rooted in her lived experiences as a Black British woman, an activist, and a mother. “Five Times More” centers on the complex relationship between mother and child, drawing on personal reflections and broader histories of pregnancy, childbirth, and care. Scott’s artistic process combines tapestry with digital imagery, transferring photographs onto silk and then adding color through a technique called nuno felting, which involves embedding fine merino fibers into the fabric. This meticulous process, built through repeated handling and pressure, mirrors the laborious and tender realities of childbirth.
Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternal Health
The exhibition’s title, “Five Times More,” directly addresses a critical issue: the disproportionately high rate of maternal mortality among Black women in the UK. Research published by MBRACE UK in 2019 revealed that Black women are five times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than white women. Scott’s work brings this stark statistic to the forefront, using her art as a means of critical expression and advocacy.
Scott’s Broader Artistic Vision
Scott’s artistic journey extends beyond “Five Times More.” Her large-scale lenticular artwork, which explores themes of fast fashion and colonialism, was previously featured in the “We Out Here” exhibition at Hastings Contemporary. This earlier work may have contributed to her selection for the “Sussex Spotlight” series.
International Women’s Day Engagement
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, Maggie Scott will lead a session at an International Women’s Day event hosted by Women’s Voice at the Hastings Observer Building. The session, inspired by Listening Circles and Active Listening, aims to foster sisterhood and address racism. The event is free and open to all, running from 11 am to 5 pm.
Visiting Hastings Contemporary
Local residents can visit all four exhibitions at Hastings Contemporary for £5. Maggie Scott’s “Sussex Spotlight” exhibition in the foyer is free for everyone to view. The current exhibitions will be on display until Sunday, March 15, 2026. Hastings Contemporary is located at Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings TN34 3DW.