OHMYGODDESS!
Adrienne Doig at the Hellenic Museum
Past exhibition | 6 April—21 July 2024
Tap into your inner goddess through the playful works of Adrienne Doig.
Over two thousand years ago, the ancient Greeks and Romans crafted small statues known as votive figures. Though they were simple in design and made from humble terracotta, these were significant objects intended as offerings to temples, shrines and graves.
In Oh My Goddess!, a past exhibition at the Hellenic Museum, Adrienne Doig’s statuettes reframe these ancient votives in a captivating and modern exploration of personal worship. The artist's decision to create these goddesses in her own image disrupts the conventional artist-muse relationship, delving into the complexity of the self and the many facets of one's inner goddess:
“Imagining myself as a goddess, could I make something that was both full of life and iconic? As a goddess I am a protagonist, champion and protector, drawing a connection between myself and the natural world. In this way the politics of a feminine ideal, beauty myths and archetypes can be playfully explored.”
Created from recycled fabrics, the goddesses not only pay homage to the often textile nature of traditionally feminine arts and crafts, but extend the conversation to nature and sustainability; a conversation that aligns with ancient goddess cults, some of which were believed to protect people and the natural environment. This theme is further underscored by the inclusion of Australian fauna in Doig-as-goddess' hands.
In contrast to the traditional hard marble and heroic aesthetic of Classical sculpture, Doig's figures emanate a soft power that gains depth and significance when viewed collectively. Together, the ensemble of goddesses weave a narrative that transcends individual representations, prompting reflection on shared human experiences and the evolving nature of divinity and the self.
Through Doig's art, viewers are encouraged to explore the intersection of personal identity, mythology and environmental consciousness. The figures become a conduit for discussions on the malleability of religious and artistic narratives, challenging viewers to ponder whether the divine was shaped in humanity's image or if humans, in turn, moulded gods in their own likeness.
Oh My Goddess! was on display at the Hellenic Museum 6 April—21 July 2024.
Adrienne Doig lives and works on Dharug and Gundungurra Country in Katoomba, Australia. She works in a variety of media including embroidery, appliqué, drawing, sculpture, video and multimedia. A recurring image or theme in her work is self-portraiture.
Adrienne is represented by Martin Browne Contemporary, Sydney.
