Womanhood

The ‚Womanhood’ project is an ongoing exploration and celebration of femininity in its diverse and multifaceted forms. As the project continues to evolve, it expands to encompass more paintings, each portraying a spectrum of women’s silhouettes and their archetypes. At the heart of this series are botanical pigments, which serve as the essence, backdrop, and heart of every artwork.

  Rather than imposing a singular narrative, the titles within the ‚Womanhood’ series serve as gentle invitations, encouraging viewers to embark on their own personal journey of interpretation and discovery. Each painting offers a nuanced portrayal of femininity, inviting contemplation and reflection on the myriad expressions of womanhood. Each work with my own lived experiences and the stories of specific individuals: from the nurturing embrace of motherhood to the sorrow of a young girl coming of age, from the religious aspect of femininity to feelings of alienation, shame, and righteous anger.

  Ultimately, the ‚Womanhood’ series seeks to celebrate the rich diversity of women’s experiences and identities. It invites viewers to embrace the beauty and complexity of womanhood in all its forms, fostering a sense of inclusivity and empowerment.

Magdalena Salome, La Loba I, 2022

Botanical pigment (Brassica oleracea, Juglans regia, Alcea), earth pigment, 120 x 70 cm

Magdalena Salome, La Loba II, 2022

Botanical pigment (Brassica oleracea, Juglans regia, Alcea), earth pigment, 120 x 70 cm

Magdalena Salome, self-portrait as Mary Magdalene, 2023

Botanical pigment (Clitoria ternatea, Brassica oleracea, Ilex paraguariensis), earth pigments, oil on linien canvas 100 cm x 73 cm

Magdalena Salome, Blue ones, 2023

Botanical pigment (Clitoria ternatea, Brassica oleracea, Ilex paraguariensis), earth pigments, oil on linien canvas 100 cm x 73 cm

Fragment from the exhibition "Botanica", featuring works from the “Womanhood” series. Abakus Gallery, Warsaw, 2022

Magdalena Salome, Alice, 2022

Botanical pigment (Alcea, Calendula officinalis), oil on linien canvas, 65 cm x 54 cm

Magdalena Salome, Sarah, 2022

Botanical pigment (Hibiscus), oil on linien canvas, 65 cm x 54 cm

Magdalena Salome, Judith, 2022

Botanical pigment (Alcea, Calendula officinalis), oil on linien canvas, 65 cm x 54 cm

(In Lust, I consciously used my own hair as a medium, so that the image would gain an additional, personal dimension. Hair, due to its distinctive texture and its associations with identity, becomes a subtle symbol of intimacy and self-expression. This gesture also introduces a poetic note to the work as a whole.)

Magdalena Salome, Lust, 2023

Botanical pigment (Clitoria ternatea, Hibiscus, Brassica oleracea), Clitoria ternatea flowers, artist's hair, oil on canvas, 120 cm x 80 cm