Opening on Saturday 3 October 2026 and running until Sunday 11 April 2027, the exhibition will present an inspiring collection of new and existing works. Admission to the exhibition is free. 

Charmaine has become known for her research-based drawing practice which focuses on plant knowledge handed down through generations of Caribbean families and tracing the lineage to Africa through the transatlantic slave trade. She is particularly interested in healing traditions passed down the maternal line, reflected in her work through constructed narratives around women. 

Central to the exhibition will be a brand-new commissioned sculptural installation, The lineage of plants, supported by Jerwood Art Fund Commissions and delivered in partnership with Coventry University’s School of Arts and Creative Industries. Following the exhibition, the installation will become part of the Gallery’s Permanent Collection, marking the first sculptural installation by Charmaine Watkiss to enter a UK public collection.

The lineage of plants (2026), is a monumental suspended sculptural installation which can be seen as a three dimensional embodiment of her ongoing Plant Warrior series, and responds to the idea that plants have different stages of spiritual development, just like humans. The elaborate neckpieces worn by Watkiss’s warriors are transformed into sculptural forms, using a wide range of carefully considered materials such as clay, porcelain, copper, brass, papier-maché, wood and crystals. Each pays tribute to the aesthetic, medicinal and spiritual properties of particular plants and seeds. Three of the neckpieces are accompanied by floating crinoline skirts, suggesting both the presence and absence of the warrior protagonists. 

A further brand new sculptural installation, Still waters, has been supported by Henry Moore Foundation. 

“ We are incredibly proud to welcome Charmaine Watkiss to The New Art Gallery Walsall for what promises to be a remarkable exhibition. The things we hold sacred will offer visitors a powerful and thought-provoking experience, exploring themes of heritage, identity and belonging through exceptional contemporary art.”

The new sculptural commission is a significant addition to Walsall's collection. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors from across the region and beyond to experience this exhibition."
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Councillor Matt Eason, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing
Walsall Council

“ This has been an incredible opportunity to create new ambitious works that would not be possible otherwise. Through working with technicians and students at Coventry University, I have been able to experiment with a wide range of materials and processes which has been transformative to my practice. “

Charmaine Watkiss, Artist

For more information about the exhibition and what's on at The New Art Gallery Walsall, visit the Gallery's website.