Marina Vargas: Revelations

From 10 February to 4 May 2025, the Thyssen-Bornemisz National Museum is hosting an exhibition that forms part of the  “Kora” programme, an initiative by the museum that seeks to raise the visibility of work by female contemporary artists from a gender perspective. 

Marina Vargas (Granada, 1980) is a visual artist who is known for her characterisation that focuses on exploring issues like the history of art, the sacred, mythology, feminism and the portrayal of women in culture and religion.  Through a contemporary perspective, her projects address the search for the visibility and recognition of women, particularly in the historical and cultural contexts in which they have been silenced or relegated to the background.

On this occasion, the artist explores the theme of the historic silencing of women, particularly in the context of the sacred and the spiritual. It is a subject she has already addressed  in previous projects, but this time, she is focusing on unveiling the contributions made by women throughout history.  Inspired by the figure of Mary Magdalene, whose presence has been analysed by  feminist theologians such as Karen King, Cynthia Bourgeault and Meggan Watterson, in this exhibition, Vargas creates an exhibition route that examines the portrayal of women in the history of art, religious imagery and the biblical account.

Through her biography, her numerous works and her personal experiences, she sets out to break the patriarchal silence which placed women in the background.  These Revelations show what has been concealed through a new work that will be presented in this exhibition for the first time.

Image Credit:

Marina Vargas. The Lines of Destiny: Six of Pentacles, 2024. Silver ink on black Canson paper, 78 x 113 cm. Artist’s Collection