Art Witch on Tour: Celebrating Feminist Art & the Virgo Full Moon Eclipse
Parliament House with Alison Alder’s work projected on the facade for the Enlighten Festival
Life Update: A Feminist Celebration in Canberra
My recent trip to Canberra for International Women’s Day was an unforgettable experience, filled with art, history, culture, and feminism, the perfect way for this Art Witch to celebrate. Canberra proved to be impressively accessible, from the motel’s accessible bathroom to the ease of getting around key cultural sites.
One of the most captivating experiences was visiting the Pompeii exhibition at the National Museum. This exhibit transported me straight into the life and tragedy of ancient Pompeii, with preserved artifacts, detailed frescoes, and stunning mosaics that offered an intimate window into the daily lives of its inhabitants before the eruption. It was humbling to witness the preservation of such history, frozen in time yet full of emotion.
The trip also included the Last Post ceremony at the National War Memorial, watching the sunset from Ainslie Lookout, and exploring Old and New Parliament House, offering a deep reflection on Australia’s political history. I especially enjoyed seeing how women have helped shaped our nation. I’m incredibly proud of the fact that Australia was the second country, behind New Zealand, to grant Women’s Suffrage, giving women the right to vote in 1902. The driving tour of Canberra’s embassies, The Lodge, and the Governor-General’s residence gave a fascinating insight into the diplomatic and governmental spaces.
One of the most inspiring moments of the trip was attending the conversation and panel discussion with Judy Chicago and Katy Hessel at the National Gallery of Australia. The Enlighten Festival was another highlight, culminating in Alison Alder’s stunning artwork being projected onto New Parliament House alongside the song I Am Woman—a deeply moving tribute to feminist resilience and creativity. Witnessing this at 11.00pm on International Women’s Day was an incredibly empowering experience.
Conversation with Judy Chicago & Panel Discussion with Australian Artists
During my time in Canberra, I attended a thought-provoking conversation at the National Gallery of Australia between feminist artist Judy Chicago and award-winning art historian Katy Hessel. Following their discussion, four talented Australian artists—Alison Alder, Marie Hagerty, Raquel Ormella, and r e a, joined the conversation. They shared their insights on the barriers women face in the arts, from challenges with gallery representation to the persistent gender pay gap. Their reflections emphasised the importance of feminist resilience and the ongoing need for equality in the art world.
Alison Alder is known for her multimedia practice that often intersects art, politics, and social issues. Her work is deeply engaged with questions of identity, gender, and the body, drawing attention to the complexity and power of women’s experiences in contemporary life.
Marie Hagerty explores themes of memory, place, and identity in her work, often using symbolic imagery and personal narratives. Her art seeks to evoke emotional responses, while highlighting the subtle intricacies of human connection.
Raquel Ormella works across drawing, installation, and video, focusing on environmental activism and social justice. Her art often examines themes of community, landscape, and the urgency of collective action in the face of environmental destruction.
r e a (Rebecca Alles) is a contemporary artist whose work delves into themes of gender, identity, and the fluidity of language. Through her practice, she challenges the conventions of traditional artmaking, offering new perspectives on how art can communicate complex personal and social experiences.
Studio Update: Layers, Textures & Exciting New Projects
I’ve been diving deep into texture and layers, continuing to develop my piece for Collective 24. We are in the process of securing a gallery for our exhibition, and I’m confident we’ll find the perfect space soon. Over on social media, we’ve started introducing the incredible artists who make up our collective. It’s been exciting to share our vision and creative journeys with a wider audience.
I’m also really enjoying playing with acrylic inks, a relatively new medium for me. I love the depth of colours and the fluidity they bring to my work. With the seasonal shift approaching, I’m drawing inspiration from autumn’s rich hues, working with a more earthy, autumnal palette.
Additionally, I’ve registered for the Incognito Art Show for the third year in a row! This fantastic initiative raises money for disabled artists, which makes it especially meaningful to me. The show, featuring postcard-sized artworks, allows artists to contribute anonymously, with all proceeds supporting artists with disabilities across Australia. It’s an important cause and a rewarding experience to be part of.
Who is Collective 24?
Artist of the Season: Judy Chicago
This month, I’m breaking from my tradition of featuring an artist with a birthday during this lunation because it feels only fitting to honour Judy Chicago. A true pioneer of feminist art, Chicago’s work has fundamentally reshaped the art world’s relationship with gender, history, and power.
Born in 1939, Judy Chicago emerged in the 1960s as a feminist artist dedicated to challenging the patriarchal structures that dominated the art world. She is perhaps best known for her monumental work The Dinner Party (1974-79), a multi-media installation that celebrates the history of women through 39 place settings, each honouring an influential woman in history. The piece is a radical statement on women's invisibility in both history and art, showcasing Chicago’s bold approach to reclaiming space for women’s voices in art history.
Chicago has also been involved in a variety of educational projects and is a founding member of the feminist collective, Womanhouse, which brought together female artists to explore the spaces traditionally reserved for women in domestic life. Her work is often confrontational, offering a deeply personal and political view of the female experience.
Beyond The Dinner Party, Chicago’s other iconic works include Revelations, an exploration of the divine feminine, and Rainbow Pickets, a series of painted wooden panels celebrating women’s rights movements.
Chicago’s contributions to feminist art are immeasurable. She has used her art to challenge the cultural narratives that have excluded women, ultimately reshaping the discourse around gender, equality, and creativity. She is, and will remain, a key figure in feminist history, whose influence continues to inspire generations of artists and activists around the world.
What makes her story even more compelling is how much of her work she was forced to destroy early in her career, only now getting the recognition she deserves. Some of these lost pieces are being recreated, including Rainbow Pickets which has been acquired by the National Gallery of Australia. Her influence on feminist art continues to inspire generations. Her dedication to documenting and uplifting women’s voices through art is a legacy that resonates deeply.
Virgo Full Moon & Eclipse: Endings, Clarity & Retrograde Insights
This Virgo Full Moon brings a partial lunar eclipse (visible in Melbourne) and marks the last full moon of this astrological year. With both Venus and Mercury retrograde, this lunation signals overdue endings, and the clarity needed to move forward. The Pisces Sun has had us wrapped in illusions, but this eclipse can cut through the fog and bring long-awaited realisations.
We are also entering the Eclipse Window, the period between this lunar eclipse and the upcoming solar eclipse at the Aries New Moon. Eclipses often bring fated events, heightened emotions, and major shifts in direction. This window is a time of deep transformation, where we may be asked to let go of the past and step into a new path.
Total Eclipse
Horoscope for Each Sign
♈ Aries – This full moon highlights your daily routines and well-being. It’s time to reassess habits and make space for healthier structures.
♉ Taurus – Your creative projects and passions take centre stage. An old creative endeavour or romantic situation may reach closure.
♊ Gemini – Home and family matters come to the forefront. A long-overdue shift in your personal life could bring clarity.
♋ Cancer – Communication and self-expression are in focus. Important conversations may bring closure or deep insights.
♌ Leo – Financial shifts are likely. Reevaluate your values and let go of material attachments that no longer serve you.
♍ Virgo – With the full moon in your sign, major personal insights are unfolding. Embrace transformation as outdated versions of yourself fall away.
♎ Libra – A deeply introspective lunation for you. Pay attention to dreams and subconscious patterns that need releasing.
♏ Scorpio – Your social circles and community are shifting. Friendships may evolve, trust what aligns with your path.
♐ Sagittarius – Career and public image are highlighted. A major shift in your professional life could be taking shape.
♑ Capricorn – Expanding your perspective is key. Travel, learning, or spiritual growth may bring a necessary transformation.
♒ Aquarius – This lunation brings focus to intimacy and shared resources. Let go of outdated financial or emotional ties.
♓ Pisces – Relationships take the spotlight. Expect revelations around partnerships, whether romantic, business, or personal.
Redbubble Mabon Sale
Over on Redbubble, I’m running a special Mabon Sale from March 20–23, with 25% off storewide. Now is the perfect time to grab prints, stickers, or wearable art to celebrate the changing season.
Art Journal Prompt: Eclipse Window Reflections
As we enter the eclipse window, we are stepping into a liminal space between what was and what will be. Eclipses often shake things up, bringing destined changes that we might not have expected. This art journal prompt invites you to explore:
🌑 What themes are surfacing for you during this eclipse window?
🌕 What endings are taking shape, and what new beginnings are calling you forward?
🔮 How can you work with the transformative energy of this moment in your creative practice?
Let your intuition guide your colours, textures, and imagery as you document your eclipse journey.
Art journal spread
Looking Ahead
As we close out this astrological year, the Virgo Full Moon and eclipse ask us to reflect, release, and realign. The Eclipse Window will carry us through to the Solar Eclipse at the Aries New Moon, bringing bold new beginnings. What clarity has surfaced for you? What are you ready to embrace?
Keep an eye out for a special edition Mabon blog post, where I’ll be diving deeper into the seasonal shift and how we can honour it creatively.
