Women in the arts in Europe ! ?
For many centuries, women in the arts have been sought-after subjects. In the past—less than a century ago—women working as artists were largely considered taboo. The balance between female and male artists remains unequal.
Visual artist Carolina Wajon (b. 1959) initially studied psychology before becoming a drawing and painting instructor; she developed her own teaching method and taught using it for 25 years. Artistically, she evolved into an independent visual artist. In her personal life, she became a mother and a grandmother. Her visual work is a journey of discovery aimed at gaining greater insight into what truly matters in life. Her paintings explore everyday, relatable human themes. Themes that can resonate with everyone, yet are so familiar that we often overlook their beauty amidst the hectic pace of modern Western society. Her art can help us rediscover ourselves.
"Women in the Arts" is really about life itself!
Her art focuses on shared themes in which we, as human beings, can recognize ourselves. It is non-elitist, non-commercial, and accessible art—art capable of fostering connection in times of polarization. It is painting displayed in a lively and interactive way. The universal, classic audio tour allows visitors to experience the artworks in silence. For the modern visitor with a smartphone, various other audio tours are also being developed, tailored to different ages or cultural backgrounds. So, if you would like to experience a fresh perspective on a theme from everyday life, it is easily done: simply connect your smartphone to the local Wi-Fi network and select your preferred audio tour. And where should all this be showcased? Carolina Wajon envisions it within the relaxed atmosphere of a landscape park, where architecture and painting naturally complement one another. More visible women in the arts world —who wouldn't want that?
Carolina Wajon, one of the many women in the arts
She was a co-founder of the Spade Ateliers association in 2004. This initiative aimed to keep studio space affordable, ensuring that creative spaces in the city of Nijmegen did not fall too heavily into commercial hands. The association still exists today and manages its own building, which serves as a multi-tenant facility for arts-related businesses. Here, the association offers studio space to its members and strives to create an optimal working environment where artists from various disciplines can practice cultural entrepreneurship. The building houses fifteen studios; a garden suitable for working in is located at the front and side of the property. The members form a unique mix of artists, designers, and arts-based businesses. They also hope to inspire other artists to find permanent workspaces. Furthermore, this creative hub in Nijmegen stimulates and supports cultural initiatives, sharing cultural knowledge and experience by organizing school visits and workshops. The members present themselves collectively to the public through open days. The majority of the members are women in the arts. https://spadeateliers.com/