Virgins and Witches is a collaborative photo essay by the artist Margarida Paiva and Anaïs Lalange that draws on ecofeminism. Ecofeminism is a movement that seeks to explore the interconnections between the oppression of women and environmental degradation, circumstances linked to patriarchal power structures. The project highlights the interconnection between women and nature, drawing on four archetypes – the Virgin, the Witch (featured in the exhibition), the Mother and the Elder (in development).

The project explores these archetypes through the symbolism of masks, crafted by Anaïs Lalange, objects linked to activism that reinforce the connection between the environment, myths and folklore. The masks become a bridge between the mundane and the supernatural, associating themselves with the figures of virgins and witches as archetypes of power, mystery and connection with nature.

The exhibition also includes the video *Soul Blindness* (2019) by Margarida Paiva. Inspired by ancient animist beliefs, which attribute a distinct spiritual essence to plants, animals and places, the film highlights our growing inability to recognise that other creatures are conscious beings, just like us.

Exhibition from 11 January to 1 March 2025

Wednesday to Saturday, 3pm to 7pm

This exhibition is part of the project

(In)visibilities and Drifts

Project supported by DGARTES

MIRA Galerias

Directed by Manuela Matos Monteiro and João Lafuente

Margarida Paiva is an artist based in Oslo who works with film, photography and installation. In 2000, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Porto and, in 2007, a Master’s degree at the National Academy of Arts in Oslo. Her recent work stems from a personal exploration of the mystical dimension of the natural world. Her recent exhibitions include: Fotografiens Hus (Oslo), Centre Photographique d’Ile-de-France (Pontault-Combault), Muratcentoventidue Contemporary Art Gallery (Bari) and Camara Oscura Contemporary Art Gallery (Madrid).

Anaïs Lalange studied Theatre and Philosophy at the University of Caen, completing her degree in Theatre following an exchange at Queen Mary University of London in 2010. Trained in physical theatre, dance, music and martial arts, she began creating handmade masks in 2014, following several years of training and performing as a professional fighter. Anaïs creates masks for artists across the UK and beyond, staging them in surrealist settings which she photographs

margaridapaiva.net

@aclalange