New and recent work on the theme of Women’s Cycles, by six international female artists, will form the Spotlight section at Women in Art Fair 2024. Curated by art dealer, gallerist, art strategist and artist agent Virginia Damtsa, the exhibition will “explore the intricate, intimate and powerful rhythms of womanhood”, as she explains:

“‘Women’s Cycles’ delves into the biological, emotional, psychological and cultural cycles that shape the female experience. From the phases of life to the flow of emotions and cyclical rhythms, ‘Woman’s Cycles’ invites viewers to connect with both the universal and deeply personal aspects of womanhood. This evocative collection of works, made in a diverse range of media, offers a profound reflection on the beauty, resilience, transformation and evolution inherent in the cycles that define and empower women.”

Figuration plays a central role in the exhibition, central to storytelling. Ruth Swain’s prosaic paintings depict domestic life, from the contents of her washing machine to her unmade bed for one. Azerbaijani artist Naila Hazell illustrates the changing nature of relationships, from the intimacy of a couple to the layered complexities of multiple partners. Chinese artist Wen Wu’s work contemplates strong femininity and the powerful silence of a woman at every stage of life.

Among the youngest artists in the show, Sofia Laskari—Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year 2023—was awarded a solo show at Saatchi Gallery for her deeply personal works that capture the ambiguity of human nature. RCA graduate and Rose-Finn Kelsey scholarship winner Anna-Lena Krause explores the complexity of human connection, probing the unseen space that develops between people, while Poppy De Havilland’s exquisitely still paintings draw inspiration from Old Masters, capturing the essence of contemplative moments suspended in time.

Several of the artists in the exhibition talk about the close connection between the rhythms of womanhood and those of nature. Poppy De Havilland talks about her exploration of “moments poised at the brink of transformation, reflecting the universal cycles of change and renewal integral to both the natural world and human experience.”

Sofia Laskari says that for her, “Women’s Cycles” means showing “women and their feelings in the most honest and vulnerable way from first-hand experience, questioning historical expressions of the female figure and avoiding stereotypical male gaze compositions.”

Naila Hazell says: “As a mother of two sons who has faced the profound challenge of losing a husband, I have experienced the qualities that make women akin to the earth—steadfast, nurturing, and unyielding in the face of adversity. I believe in equality and the importance of shared leadership, a call for a world that could be transformed by the values of love, care, and understanding, if these qualities were more prevalent. I hope that my work will resonate with others who may be on similar journeys, offering them solace, inspiration, and hope.”