A NEWI art student has showcased her feminist masterpiece at a prestigious London exhibition.
Debbie Richards, 48, was selected from more than 500 entrants to display her life-sized oil painting at the annual Royal Institute of Painters exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London this month.
The striking 5ft 3ins' painting, entitled Goddess, portrays an intimidating naked woman scowling at the viewer, depicting female sexual domination and challenging the notion of the 'male gaze' which, according to feminist theory, seeks to control women.
Final year fine arts student Debbie is thrilled that her piece has been chosen from so many entries.
'It is a fantastic opportunity to be able to exhibit work where famous artists like Rodin have had their work displayed,' she said.
Debbie, who lives in Cheshire, took her inspiration for the painting from her interest in social attitudes about women throughout time.
'The title of my piece is a reference to Stone Age sculptures of fertility goddesses,' she said.
'They were primeval images of womanhood that were highly valued.'
Debbie has always loved painting and decided to do the degree course at NEWI to further her talent and interest. When she has finished her current studies she would like to do a Master's degree, and then lecture in higher education and paint on a freelance basis at the same time.
The open exhibition allows anyone to submit pieces of work and a panel of judges from the Royal Institute of Oil Painters selects the best paintings to be included.
A variety of outstanding works by some of the country's foremost painters in oils have been included, as well as work by young, up-and-coming artists.
