Pro Femina | November 15, 2024 – April 30, 2025

apapatza
May 2
2 min read

Updated: May 4

Antonia Papatzanaki, Exceeding Limit Series, Bronze, Plexiglas, Light

Contemporary Art Museum of Crete

Curated by: Kostis Christidis

Opening: Friday, November 15, 2024, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The Contemporary Art Museum of Crete continues its exploration of women's contributions to art with Pro Femina, following the exhibition Strong in Time, which featured Rena Papaspyrou and Aspa Stassinopoulou. Pro Femina focuses on female artists from the museum’s permanent collection. The exhibition’s title, selected by curator Kostis Christidis, is inspired by the iconic poem Pro Femina by American poet Carolyn Kizer—a powerful tribute to womanhood and a sharp critique of the societal roles imposed on women.

Kizer’s poem delves into the challenges, contradictions, and expectations surrounding womanhood, while addressing the cultural and social systems that have historically marginalized women. Although written decades ago, its relevance endures, highlighting the ongoing struggle for dignity, equality, and recognition of women's identities and lived experiences.

In a world that demands constant adaptation and engagement, complacency and indifference carry significant personal and collective consequences. Recognizing and confronting these tensions is crucial, as is reaffirming universal values and embracing a renewed humanism through the transformative power of art.

Since the 1960s, art has played a pivotal role in addressing issues such as gender inequality, violence against women, and systemic oppression. Groundbreaking artists like Judy Chicago, Cindy Sherman, Mary Kelly, and Barbara Kruger helped shape the feminist art movement. Their work continues to inspire new generations, cultivating a more inclusive and diverse artistic landscape.

Despite significant progress, inequalities persist—demanding continued efforts to amplify the voices of women and marginalized communities, both in the art world and beyond. The exhibition Pro Femina, titled after the Latin phrase meaning "in favor of women," serves as both a declaration of advocacy and a tribute to the multifaceted nature of womanhood. Participating artists explore the complexity of female identity, addressing issues such as societal expectations, stereotypes, and the intersection of gender with race, class, sexuality, and the life cycle.

The exhibition presents a rich array of artistic expressions, each offering unique perspectives and narratives. These works range from raw, visceral depictions of bodily movement and emotional struggle to introspective examinations of pain and transformation. At the same time, other pieces radiate hope and resistance, reflecting moments of clarity, resilience, and renewal. Together, they form a powerful tapestry that speaks to liberation, reconciliation, and the possibility of redemption.

The exhibition also prompts philosophical reflection on the unity of existence, drawing inspiration from Parmenides’ idea that “all is one.” This notion emphasizes the homogeneity and indivisibility of the world, inviting viewers to contemplate the underlying coherence that binds all beings.

In addition to the emblematic Silia Daskopoulou, the following artists participate in the exhibition:Antoinetta Angelidi, Roya Amigh, Irene Apergis, Eygenia Apostolou, Kalliopi Assaryotaki, Dina Balona, Bia Davou, Voula Gounela, Nadia Kalara, Niki Kanagini, Maria Karametou, Popi Krouska, Dimitra Lazaridou, Maria Loizidou, Eleni Lyra, Despo Magoni, Despina Meimaroglou, Stella Mimikou, Eleni Michailou, Chariklia Mytara, Hijo Nam, Maria Nikiforaki, Leda Papakonstantinou, Antonia Papatzanaki, Spyridoula Politi, Sofia Portalaki, Rania Rangou, Marianne Strapatsakis, Lili Stroumpouli, Popi Tsoukatos, Athanassia Vidali, and Maria Ziaka.

Contemporary Art Museum of Crete32 Mesologgiou St., 74100 Rethymnon

+30 28310 52530 | ✉info@cca.gr | www.cca.gr