The Revenge of Artemisia Gentileschi

Wild Women

In this third episode of Wild Women, listeners are invited into the visceral work of Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi and considered one of the most accomplished 17th century artists. Her painting, "Judith and Her Maidservant" ignites a violent and visceral reaction in the viewer, as Judith saws the neck of the general of the Assyrian army -- in this act she saves her people, the people of Bethulia. As Martha and Coleen finally connect and magically find themselves in Italy, they begin to reckon with the current state of the world, Artemisia's incredible conviction and attention to detail and begin to question whether art can be a form of revenge.
Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault
Concept by Martha Ross and Coleen MacPherson
Written and Performed by Martha Ross and Coleen Shirin MacPherson
Guest Performer Margherita Abozzo
Original Music by Michel Laforge
Theme Music by Mitchell Akiyama
Sound Design / Editing by Michel Laforge
Special thanks to Susan Vreeland who wrote "The Passion of Artemisia" that inspired our work. Thanks to Leah Cherniak, Theresa Graham, Julia Lederer, Juliana Spínola and Alix Sideris for your raw and visceral reactions to the painting. This podcast was made possible by the Digital Now Grant through the Canada Council.