Female Heroes of Cyprus

The “Female Heroes of Cyprus” exhibition is a collection of portraits and stories about women, from the ancient world to modern day, who are examples of love, courage and dedication in our community.

In the exhibition will find mythical, historical, modern and unknown portraits of women who should be known. You will discover stories of women of our community who are pioneering and strong, who have influenced and support society, who are often not recognised but live amongst us, who are essential for our community to work, who love and lead behind the “stage’s lights”.

The artworks are a collection of mosaics and paintings mainly by the artist Mary Chojnowski. Many of the artworks in the exhibition have also been created with the contribution of local artists and by schoolchildren and other community groups from Pafos with the guidance of Mary. Therefore, the exhibition represents a joint effort by artists and community on highlightign the theme of Female Heroes of Cyprus.

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. The artist Mary Chojnowski will also be available for the week of the exhibition to meet school groups for an explanation/tour of the Female Heroes Event (by appointment, contact details available through Technopolis). All ages welcome.

The 30% of the net proceeds of the artworks’ sales will be donated to the charity organisation Caritas Cyprus.

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: Friday, March 4, 7:30pm

Duration: 4 – 11 March 2016

Opening hours:
Monday – Friday 10am – 7pm
Saturday 10am – 2pm
Sunday 3 – 7pm

“As a woman artist and mother, I appreciate the sacrifices we women make for our families, our friends, our society and how we choose peace and love above success and power. We do this in so many different ways. These are the stories I want to share and bring to light. I am inspired by my work with children, and I want to celebrate ordinary people who are in my opinion beautiful human beings doing beautiful work! I don't want to make art which is over-intellectual or conceptual or difficult to understand. I want to make art which make us change positively our lives and I want to change the way we teach children about Heroes. I believe we need to redefine heroism to show that it is not just found in male role models or in recognized faces. I hope families, teachers and children will find this exhibition helpful, inspiring and educational” - Mary Chojnowsk