"Judith's Revitalization" is a three-dimensional, topographical neon light reinvention of Artemisia Gentileschi’s painting “Judith Beheading Holofernes.” The original painting by this seventeenth-century feminist artist is an Old Testament scene that depicts the assassination of an Assyrian general by two opposing women. As a victim of sexual assault herself, Artemisia uses her rage and resistance to depict female protagonists with power, agency and strength— in contrast to the fragility and submission depicted in male artists’ versions.
Some time ago I learned that Artemisia is a personal ancestor. With this project I am interested in connecting Artemisia’s legacy to future generations of women such as myself, who will continue to stand up for women’s rights.
