A Paphos-based mosaics artist is celebrating the lives and acts of renowned and ‘unknown’ women in the community with an exhibition of mosaics produced especially for the project.
The ‘Female Heroes of Cyprus’ exhibition is a collection of portraits and stories of women, from the ancient world to the modern day, who are examples of love, courage and dedication in the community.
The exhibition features portraits of mythical, historical and modern “unknown women who should be known”. Visitors get the chance to discover stories about women in the community who are pioneering and strong, who have influenced and supported society and who are essential for our community to work.
The artworks are a collection of mosaics and paintings by artist Mary Chojnowski, local arts and community groups and schools. Chojnowksi launched the project three years ago.
“I found out about the women through local people and working in community groups,” Chojnowski told the Cyprus Weekly.
“It was a bit hard at first because people are not used to thinking about women as heroic. Mostly I got talking to people I met, asking in schools, and wherever I met the Cypriot community. Also I have met a few of my own “heroes” in person and they don’t even know I’ve made their portraits.”
Brave actions
Chojnowski said that there was an element of the ‘everyman’ to this exhibition, as a lot of the “heroes” might be considered ordinary people with ordinary lives.
“I think they are doing some brave and heroic things. Some of the other ‘heroes’ are figures from Cyprus’ history and mythology.”
Many of the artworks in the exhibition have also been created through the contribution of local artists and by schoolchildren and other community groups from Paphos with the guidance of Chojnowksi.
The exhibition therefore represents a joint effort by artists and community on highlighting the theme of Female Heroes of Cyprus.
Chojnowski has plans for the project to be continued into 2017 when Paphos takes the title of European Capital of Culture.
“I don’t really want people to think that the exhibition will end. If other schools want to take part and create a memory to a female hero in their own school, I am happy to work with them.
“Other community groups have also been involved such as the Margarita Liasidou Home for people with special needs and The Day Centre in Paphos.”
“Once the week-long exhibition closes, pieces will be given to the community groups which made them.
“The Margarita Liasidou Home will receive two mosaic portraits, Paphos hospital keeps the mosaic made by the Day Centre Group and Kouklia Arts Centre gets to keep its Aphrodite mosaic.
Permanent works
“The schools will keep their pieces as permanent artworks and I will give some of the portraits to the heroines who inspired them. Some are for sale as they are my own or other artists’ works.”
The exhibition is also intended to be an educational opportunity: to explore the role of women in our community, to inspire with positive female role models and to showcase the artworks as a result of teamwork in schools and other community groups.
“It will be a useful opportunity for teachers and carers to get inspiration for their own art projects and get to know helpful community artists.
“I will also be available for the week of the exhibition to meet school groups for an explanation and tour of the Female Heroes event. This is by appointment via my contact details, available through Technopolis. All ages are welcome.”
The Female Heroes of Cyprus exhibition takes place from March 4 – 11 at Technopolis, 18 Nikos Nicolaides Street in Paphos.
The official opening takes place on March 4 at 7.30pm. The exhibition will be opened by the Community Involvement & Development Officer of the European Capital of Culture Organisation-Pafos2017, Erica Charalambous.
Live jazz music and cocktail will follow.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, Sunday 3-7pm. Tel: 70 00 2420. A third of the net proceeds of the artworks’ sales will be donated to the charity organisation Caritas Cyprus.