Silenced
By Josephine Cardin
This small series was created for submission to a juried art exhibit that poses the question "Who was Mary Magdalene?" Though not personally religious, I found this to be a great artistic challange, with an imporant message about gender inequality. The first three images where the ones I submitted for consideration.
Artist Statement:
Throughout history there have been many speculations about Mary Magdalene's role before and after she met Jesus; including, harlot, wife, mother, and secret lover. Though presently seen as a saint in several religions, and described as courageous and brave in having stood by Jesus in his hours of suffering and death, it took centuries for those original theories to be reconsidered. In creating this series, my focus was not necessarily to answer "Who was Mary?" But more so, why was she (i.e. her story) silenced?
Silenced is about the greater theme of gender inequality throughout history, and that even in present day there still exists a world where women aren't able to speak freely, share their opinions, or impact political change. Throughout the world violence against women continues, and despite making up half the global population, women hold less than a quarter percent of elected parliamentary seats in the world. Mary could have been any of us, and it's important to tell the stories of women, such as Mary, to continue the conversation and inspire greater change for gender equality worldwide.
Silenced is about the greater theme of gender inequality throughout history, and that even in present day there still exists a world where women aren't able to speak freely, share their opinions, or impact political change. Throughout the world violence against women continues, and despite making up half the global population, women hold less than a quarter percent of elected parliamentary seats in the world. Mary could have been any of us, and it's important to tell the stories of women, such as Mary, to continue the conversation and inspire greater change for gender equality worldwide.
**Update: I was selected as one of thirteen finalist to exhibit in the PhotoNOLA/International House Hotel's Mary Magdalene Exhibit in New Orleans!
Thank You!
