Fiona McMonagle, Eve #5, 2025, acrylic on canvas, 153 x 138 cm

Throughout history, women have been held to unreasonably high moral standards, with their actions scrutinised and vilified. Cast as scapegoats for society’s problems, this pattern dates back to foundational myths like Eve’s story, which framed her as the cause of humanity’s suffering. The French phrase “Cherchez la femme” embodies this mindset, implying that women are naturally disruptive, tempting, or at fault, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and scapegoating.

In patriarchal systems, women unconsciously absorb and enforce sexist beliefs, creating divisions and perpetuating cycles of blame and shame.
Disappointingly, such judgment often comes from within the community of women, fuelled by internalised misogyny.

This new body of work by Fiona McMonagle, Eve, explores these dynamics, depicting women’s faces boldly and unapologetically, inspired by the confrontational format of mugshots. These raw portraits, painted with fluid acrylics on raw canvas, reflect society’s tendency to label and shame women. The work challenges viewers to confront their biases and complicity in this culture of judgment.

Opening night: Thursday 6 February, 6-8pm