![]() Olivia Ciaccia, community partner and consultant for Feminine power That, in my opinion, can only be a positive thing. Circe is radiant and in control here, in contrast with Ulysses, who is reflected skulking in the mirror.ĭespite its issues, this painting captures a moment of power and enchantment, which I feel many witches have experienced in their connection with the divine. The idea of nakedness in ritual is also something many witches embrace, as an open expression of our natural power. ![]() However, our cups aren't usually filled with poison as Circe’s was! Circe's forte was creating transformative elixirs from flowers and herbs, and the art of healing or hexing with herbs has been one of the main roles of witches throughout history. Incense purifies the air, wands are used to direct energy and cast circles, and cups are used to honour the element of water. These magical tools resonate with witches as they are often used in modern rituals and magical workings. She dominates the scene, sitting upon an ornately carved seat, arms raised, holding a cup and wand, while incense smoulders below. In Waterhouse's painting we see Circe as sensual, confident and at the height of her powers. Visitor inside the Citi exhibition: Feminine power: the divine to the demonic All life comes from the Goddess, no matter where it comes in our timeline. I cannot express how excited I was by the dinosaur! It acknowledges all life that has gone before and fully accepts science too, as there are some Christians who have denied their existence. The array of colours echoes the broad spectrum of life springing forth from her vulva, and Chicago shows the stages of evolution from the smallest microbe to the ascent of man, including my favourite bit, a little dinosaur. Through my pagan eyes, it was the Earth Mother, giving birth to all life.Ĭhicago has beautifully captured the goddess giving birth, her hands holding her legs open, the volcano at her breast depicting the deep pain. I am not usually a fan of modern art, but the abstractness pulled me back in and I was then able to appreciate what it was I saw. A feminine figure laid bare, legs spread showing her most intimate parts. When I saw Judy Chicago's The Creation, my initial reaction was shock at the vulgarity of it. This work helped inform the exhibition and helped the team to convey the continued relevance and power that the goddesses and associated spiritual beliefs still hold for people today.īelow are five objects chosen by just some of our community consultants and what they mean to them. The exhibition team consulted with a group of six members and associates of Children of Artemis over an eight-month period, exploring different artworks that would go on display in the exhibition and listening to the lived experiences and unique personal insights of each of the participants. To gain this further insights into Modern Paganism and Witchcraft, the Museum partnered with UK-based witchcraft membership organisation Children of Artemis and some of its long-standing associates. ![]() By including these voices directly alongside the Museum perspective in the exhibition, we were able to highlight the voices of people whose perspectives and beliefs are not often seen in museum displays. When working on the part of the exhibition themed around 'magic and malice', the Museum team was keen to learn as much as they could about modern witchcraft and practice from people who themselves identified as Witch, Wicca or who use magic in their spiritual practices. For the Feminine power exhibition, which explores the spiritual beliefs of both past and present communities, it was particularly important to consult with those whose contemporary spiritual practices and beliefs are represented through the objects and artworks on display. Working collaboratively and consulting with community partners and those who feel a deep personal or cultural connection to the Museum collections is a central part of many British Museum projects. ![]() This show explores the profound influence of female spiritual beings within global religion and faith and explores the significant role that goddesses, demons, witches, spirits and saints have played – and continue to play – in shaping our understanding of the world. In mid-May, the British Museum opened the thought-provoking, cross-cultural exhibition Feminine power: the divine to the demonic.
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