As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must acknowledge that the journey toward true gender equality is far from over. The Age of Aquarius—a time often associated with transformation and renewal—offers hope for a world rooted in balance, equality, and collective empowerment. Could this era mark the decline of patriarchy and the rise of a more harmonious society where women fully embrace their femininity and personal power?
Yet, despite progress, many women continue to endure systemic oppression, including sexual and verbal abuse, particularly in toxic and narcissistic relationships that seem increasingly prevalent. The rise of social media has only amplified this issue, normalizing narcissistic traits and glorifying behaviors like manipulation, bullying, and the relentless pursuit of power as signs of strength.
Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and professor with over two decades of experience, has dedicated her career to helping people heal from relationships with narcissistic individuals. She explains that narcissists often exude charm, charisma, and confidence—qualities that can make them irresistibly attractive. Meanwhile, women, who are often nurturing, empathetic, and deeply forgiving, can become easy targets for such predators.
Narcissistic abuse is not just an emotional wound—it takes a toll on mental and physical health, and in some cases, escalates into physical violence. As Dr. Durvasula warns in It’s Not You:
"When you don’t know what narcissistic behavior and abuse are about, confusion will become your new normal."
True empowerment begins with awareness. As we strive for a future where women are no longer diminished or manipulated, recognizing and breaking free from toxic patterns is an essential step toward liberation.
The Voices of Women Series draws inspiration from the Pre-Raphaelites, a group of Victorian-era artists who defied the rigid teachings of the Royal Academy. Like them, I embrace rebellion—pushing the boundaries between photography and painting, breaking conventional photographic rules. By merging images and enhancing them with oil paint on canvas, I create a fusion of two artistic worlds.
Throughout history, many ancient civilizations revered rather than feared the feminine principle. Eckhart Tolle, in A New Earth, reflects on its suppression over the past two millennia, stating:
"The suppression of the feminine principle, especially over the past two thousand years, has enabled the ego to gain absolute supremacy in the collective human psyche… The female form… has greater openness and sensitivity toward other life-forms and is more attuned to the natural world."
This series is an homage to that lost reverence—a visual exploration of feminine strength, wisdom, and connection to nature.
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