To mark International Women’s Day 2025, King’s Cross has unveiled HighlightHer, an outdoor exhibition on the Granary Square art benches that celebrates the ordinary women doing extraordinary things.
Exploring themes of motherhood, menopause, relationships, female friendship and caregiving, the series of vibrant and colourful illustrations by London artist, Hanna Benihoud highlight the diverse and impactful roles and experiences of women in society today.
The stories that have inspired Hanna’s artwork have been gathered through her conversations with women of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles, both offline and on social media. The project is designed to elevate the inner lives of women which are so rarely depicted in the public realm and celebrates the ‘magic of the mundane’.
The unique exhibition will feature 16 beautifully designed illustrations dotted around Granary Square and on display until Sunday 30 March. Each artwork will tell the story of a different woman or group of women, highlighting their remarkable contributions that so often go unnoticed.
Artist Hanna Benihoud, said: “During the summer of 2023, in America Ferrera’s monologue in the Barbie movie, she asked, “What about ordinary Barbie?”—a question that struck a collective nerve. Then, in the summer of 2024, women embraced ‘Brat Summer,’ encapsulated by a strappy top and a Bic lighter—the epitome of the everyday. There is something about the ‘ordinariness’ of womanhood that is actually quite magical.
“HighlightHer is a chance to celebrate the quiet chaos and joy of ‘ordinary’ women’s daily lives, not just on International Women’s Day, but everyday.”
In the spirit of uplifting women, Hanna asked the community to highlight the women in their lives who are quietly being completely remarkable.
Cherry Fitzsimmons, who inspired the artwork, She had to go the hard way to get to soft play said: “I love the concept of this project. The summer I had my newborn twins and a two-year-old I would feel like a hero just for making it through the day. I’d always challenge myself to go out on trips around London. There was a time when the lift was down at Tottenham Hale so I had to negotiate the escalator by holding up my double buggy, whilst also hoping my toddler would comply by standing still! I got used to relying on strangers and people always came good.
“I’ve done a lot of things that have challenged me, I’ve run a marathon and cycled my bike around the world, but it was the day-to-day survival of being a new mum of three under three that challenged me the most.”
Chrissy Cullen, Place Marketing Director at King’s Cross, said: “We’re very excited to unveil HighlightHer to the public. International Women’s Day is a time to recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions of women everywhere, but the artworks will be on display until the end of March, giving visitors plenty of time to experience the exhibition. HighlightHer is our way of honouring the women in our community who inspire us with their extraordinary stories. We hope this installation will encourage everyone to reflect on the impact of these remarkable women and to continue supporting and uplifting one another.”
Hanna Benihoud founded Hanna Benihoud Studio in 2016 after transitioning from her career as an architect. Her interdisciplinary design practice spans art, architecture, and design, focusing on projects with a social conscience. Hanna’s work includes public art, wayfinding, illustration, and animation often using the public realm as her canvas. Her hand-animated series Girls of the Light, the Guardians of the Pump public art installation and various other site-specific works explore the intersection of architecture and art
King’s Cross has become a vibrant hub for public art, with numerous commissions enhancing its public spaces. A recent highlight is Liz West’s Fluorescence installation in Granary Square, which features a 10.7-metre structure adorned with bold stripes of fluorescent neon colours. This contemporary piece acts as a seasonal focal point, celebrating light and joy during the winter months. This work, along with many others, contributes to the unique character of King’s Cross, making it a place where art and everyday life intersect.
