Fiona McMonagle

Fiona McMonagle
Australian, born 1977; lives and works in Naarm/Melbourne

For most of history anonymous was a woman 2021
watercolour, ink and gouache on paper
Courtesy of the artist and Sophie Gannon Gallery, Naarm/Melbourne

Artist statement:

I have always been interested in how society feels about powerful and independent women: and how popular culture portrays and sometimes marginalises strong women.

In previous series such as Titled and Smoke and Mirrors my paintings have been working to counteract the various and conspicuous ways these notions and images enter and filter through society and how this impacts each generation.

Through the portrayal of iconic and influential women throughout history these works ask what is it like to be strong, independent and female? And what sacrifices have these women made for their celebrity. My portraits are a celebration of women, of their struggles, complexities and their power.

For most of history anonymous was a woman is a portrait of Virginia Woolf, one of the most important literary figures in both English literature and feminist literature of the 20th century.