Revered and Feared. Feminine Power in Art and Beliefs

Feminine power and femininity are the leitmotif of this exhibition at the CaixaForum Madrid from 28 September to 14 January. Through different objects and works of art from various continents and historical periods, the exhibition takes a cross-cultural journey through different expressions of female spiritual power around the world.

The exhibition travels through 5,000 years of spiritual power beliefs: from the Hindu divinity Shakti to Oshun, the orisha of fertility in the Yoruba culture in Nigeria.

It is made up of a selection of 154 pieces from the British Museum, in dialogue with a selection of renowned contemporary artists, including sculptures, sacred objects and works of art. They show how goddesses, demons, saints and other spiritual beings have played a key role in our understanding of the world. From wisdom, passion and desire to war, justice and mercy, it takes a cross-cultural journey through different expressions of female spiritual powers around the world.

Image Credits:

• Porcelain, c. 1700-1722, China. 1980,0728.93 © The Trustees of the British Museum (2023)
• Queen of the Night, c. 1750 B.C., painted clay, Iraq. 2003, 0718.1 © The Trustees of the British Museum (2023)
• Contrasted Descriptions, c. 500 B.C., painted terracotta, Italy. 1877, 0802.4 © The Trustees of the British Museum (2023)
• Egyptian Amulet, 1069-664 B. C., enamel, Egypt. 1895,0511.22 © The Trustees of the British Museum (2023)