International Women’s Day is more than a celebration of women’s achievements; it is a reminder of their profound influence on every sphere of life, particularly the arts. The work of female artists continues to shape, challenge, and reframe our understanding of art in both historical and contemporary contexts. To honour this day, the voices of several Otomys artists – both female and male – offer personal insights into how women – both past and present – have impacted their practices, and how they continue to push boundaries.
Otomys Celebrates International Women's Day
-
-
Jenny Lundgren
Jenny Lundgren’s early fascination with the works of Helene Schjerfbeck (Finland 1862-1946), especially her later self-portraits, left a profound impact. "Her bold, expressive self-portraits sparked my curiosity about what painting can be and mean," Jenny recalls...
-
EMMA ITSTEIN
Emma Itzstein emphasises the importance of making space for all artists—female, male, and non-binary—in the commercial art world. While she feels that progress has been made...
-
MASJA, FROM MARIE BERNARD
Masja draws inspiration from artists like Sheila Hicks and Faye Toogood, whose work is defined by materiality, colour, and playfulness. "Their use of tactile materials resonates with me," Masja says...
-
COLIN PENNOCK
In the late '90s, Colin Pennock lived in New York, working in the commercial art world of illustration and storyboarding. "My painting took a backseat during this time," he recalls...
-
Caroline Cornelius
Caroline Cornelius’ art explores the societal expectations of women, particularly mothers. "My work is an exploration of motherhood," she shares, "a role that often feels diminished as a woman ages"...
-
Anna van der Ploeg
For Anna van der Ploeg, the influence of contemporary female artists like Anne Carson, Jeanne Gaigher, and Lynette Yiadom Boakye cannot be overstated. They embody an "uncompromising authenticity" that Anna finds essential to her own practice...
-
Erin Chaplin
Erin Chaplin’s art is profoundly shaped by her gender, embodying both the softness and strength typically associated with femininity. “My work has moments of softness and vulnerability, but there is also a hard, bold, and brash movement in my painting which pulls away from being polite or submissive,” she explains...
-
Serge, from Marie Bernard
Serge’s vibrant, colour-rich works are deeply influenced by Judith Judith Linhares, whom he discovered years ago. “Her paintings glow and ooze colour,” he says, admiring how her timeless palette remains fresh despite being born in 1940...
-
Meg Walters
The issue of inequality in the art world is central to Meg Walters’ thoughts, particularly the gender pay gap and the ongoing struggle for equal representation. “Recently, there has been an increased awareness of the gender pay gap and the continued inequality faced by women in every profession around the world...
-
Joel Sorensen
For Joel Sorensen, the works of Louise Bourgeois—especially her iconic bronze spiders—left an indelible mark. Joel reflects, “Bourgeois' body of work has the feeling of an organism; the work does not stop at their execution and they seem to multiply...
-
Hermentaire
Hermentaire is inspired by the works of Vera Szekely… “Her work inspires me. Her approach to materials, her subtle dialogue between forms and textures, and her way of exploring the balance between strength and lightness resonate with my own practice....
-
Eduardo Santos
Eduardo Santos is quick to mention Cecily Brown as a major influence. “I love her work. Her mastery of movement and colour is an endless source of inspiration,” he shares. “I could look at her work all day...
-
Helen Redmond
Helen Redmond acknowledges that gender undeniably shapes an artist's worldview and their creative journey. "Being female has shaped my view of the world," she shares, reflecting on the ways in which gender influences opportunities afforded and denied...
-
Dapeng Liu
For Dapeng Liu, Lindy Lee’s practice has been an immense source of inspiration. “Although our life paths are different— she was born and raised in Australia, while I migrated here as a young adult. However, we do share a common thread in drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese art, culture, and philosophy...
-
Zoe Amor
Zoe Amor explains… ‘At the front of each notebook for studio musings, I include quotes that strike a chord with my work, imagination or whatever state I’m in when I find them: “What would happen if one woman told the truth about herself? The world would split open”- Muriel Rukeyser.
-
Piet Raemdonck
Piet Raemdonck is inspired by artists whose work embodies freedom and sensuality. “I’ve loved watching Rose Wylie and her bold yet sensual approach—there’s such freedom in her visuals,” he says...
-
Polly Gilroy
Polly Gilroy’s work is deeply influenced by Eva Hesse, the American post-minimalist artist known for her innovative use of materials and exploration of the body. “While studying at art school, I drew a lot of inspiration from Eva Hesse...
-
Morgan Shimeld
Morgan Shimeld’s sculptural practice is deeply inspired by the work of Bronwyn Oliver. "Her ability to define and redefine form through copper wire was truly remarkable," Morgan shares...
-
ANNA DUDEK
Anna Dudek’s art draws deeply from her own life experiences as a woman, wife, and mother. "My need for beauty, calm, and reflection" shapes her artistic practice. In 2025, she hopes to see..
-
Greg Wood
Greg Wood reflects on the profound impact that contemporary and historical female artists have had on his creative journey. He acknowledges artists like Michaye Boulter, Mary Tonkin, Sara Maher, Zoe Amor, and Emma Bingham...
-
Greg Penn
Greg Penn discusses the influential role of female artists in shaping his creative practice, noting their ability to push boundaries while maintaining a sense of newness...
-
Rebekah Stuart
Rebekah Stuart's artistic practice has been deeply shaped by the works of Tacita Dean and Artemisia Gentileschi. Of Dean’s influence, Stuart says, “Watching Disappearance at Sea and The Green Ray impacted me deeply...
-