Fusion Arts caught up with Linda Hong Cheng (Founding Director) and Rhea (Creative Consultant + Photographer) from Girlpane Exhibitions, a dynamic platform championing the voices of women and queer artists worldwide. Girlpane stands out for its commitment to amplifying marginalised voices through art. Discover their journey, challenges, and aspirations for the future, and learn how you can join this movement.
Q: Why did you create Girlpane Exhibitions?
Linda: I’ve always believed in the potent power of art to break convention and impact society. Girlpane was born out of a desire to create global opportunities for women and queer artists whose voices are so often marginalized. Beyond exhibitions, we want to have a broader cultural impact, connecting these artists with diverse audiences worldwide through gallery takeovers, art auctions, brand collaborations, and our signature Girlpane art shows. A key part of our mission is also education—developing bespoke programs for international middle and high school students, teaching them about art curation, diversity in the arts, and how to create their own works. These students even get the chance to exhibit their art in our shows, fostering a new generation of thoughtful, inclusive creators.
Rhea: When Linda introduced me to Girlpane, I was captivated by the vision. As a photographer and creative consultant, my role is to bring the exhibitions to life visually—ensuring that each artist’s work is presented in a way that honors their unique voice while aligning with the exhibition’s theme. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a project that blends creativity and purpose so seamlessly.
Q: How is Girlpane different from other art collectives?
Linda: What sets us apart is our global approach, strong momentum, and multifaceted mission. Every exhibition is a one-of-a-kind experience, carefully curated to showcase underrepresented talent. We don’t just organize shows—we build powerful platforms that connect emerging women and queer artists with real-world opportunities, including gallery representation and broader public exposure. Our bespoke education programs are another key differentiator, combining art creation and exhibition planning to inspire young people worldwide to see art as a tool for change.
Rhea: From my perspective, Girlpane stands out because of our commitment to both artistic excellence and accessibility. My focus is on making each exhibition visually cohesive and impactful—consulting on layouts, advising creative materials, and documenting the events in a way that enhances the art’s message. We create a space where artists and their works truly shine, making a lasting impression on audiences.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of running Girlpane?
Linda: For me, it’s seeing how far our impact can reach. Whether it’s a young artist we’re supporting in gaining local and later national recognition or connecting with students who want to discover their creative voice through our education program, Girlpane is changing the art world, one exhibition at a time.
Rhea: I love seeing everything come together—the gallery space transformed, the artworks resonating with the audience, and the emotional responses they evoke. Capturing these moments and knowing I’ve contributed to presenting these artists in their best light makes all the hard work worth it.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in the future with Girlpane?
Linda: Our goal is to expand Girlpane’s global footprint. We want to collaborate with more galleries, bring our exhibitions to new cities, and amplify the voices of underrepresented artists on an international scale. Concurrently, I’m committed to building and growing our bespoke education programs, ensuring that we’re nurturing the next generation of artists and curators who value diversity, creativity, and inclusivity.
Rhea: I’m focused on refining how we visually represent the exhibitions and artists we work with, whether that’s through thoughtful exhibition themes, thorough documentation, or creative mentorship. As Girlpane grows, I want to ensure our exhibitions remain visually dynamic and reflective of the stories they tell.
Q: What’s next for Girlpane?
Linda: We have several exciting exhibitions in the pipeline in both Oxford and London, including collaborations with new galleries and artists across different cities. We’re also working to unveil our education programs to several schools internationally—expanding our impact.
Rhea: From a creative standpoint, I’m focused on making sure our upcoming exhibitions are visually compelling and well-documented, creating a legacy for Girlpane that celebrates the depth and diversity of the artists we champion.
Q: How can people get involved with Girlpane?
Linda: We’re always looking for collaborators, sponsors, and art lovers who want to make a difference with Girlpane. Whether you’re an artist interested in showcasing your work, a student eager to learn about curation, an art lover keen to gain fellowship experience in the exciting art curation and exhibitions world, a partner who wants to support our mission, or a company that hopes to amplify your brand – we’d love to hear from you!
Rhea: Follow us on Instagram (@girlpane.exhibitions) to stay updated on our upcoming shows and initiatives. You can also reach out directly at girlpane.exhibitions@gmail.com to discuss how you’d like to get involved.
Interested in learning more about Girlpane or getting involved? Reach out at girlpane.exhibitions@gmail.com.
Gender, Body & the Visceral opens at Fusion Arts 95 Gloucester Green, 3 - 6 December 2024.
