Marina Giffoni Kenton Art
Womb
Womb
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Womb explores our connection to the cycles that shape us, both physically and spiritually. At the centre of the painting is a spiral shell, a symbol often associated with creation, growth, transformation, and the continuous unfolding of life. Its form echoes the womb itself — a place of beginnings, nourishment, and becoming.
The two figures are connected by Calla Lily flowers, representing a peaceful thread between women, generations, and the shared experiences that unite us. They mirror one another while remaining distinct, reflecting both individuality and collective wisdom. Together they hold space for one another, suggesting the strength that emerges when we move in harmony rather than isolation.
The coral growing from within the shell represents the roots of the ocean — a reminder that life is supported by intricate, interconnected systems beneath the surface. Coral holds the memory of the sea, growing slowly through cycles of nourishment, change, and adaptation. In this painting, it speaks to ancestry, connection, and belonging.
My sister is called Coral, making this work, in many ways, a dedication to her and to the roots we share. Just as coral reefs are built through countless layers over time, our stories and experiences become part of the foundation from which we grow. The coral emerging from the shell reflects both the strength of those connections and the way they continue to shape us, even when distance separates us. It is also a reflection of how I feel when we are apart — as though a part of me is missing, yet always connected beneath the surface.
Throughout the process of creating this painting, I found myself reflecting on my relationship with the menstrual cycle and the rhythms of the natural world. For a long time, I felt disconnected from these cycles, often resisting or misunderstanding them. Through both the painting process and my own personal journey, I have begun to see them differently, not as something to battle against, but as something to listen to and learn from.
This work became an invitation to slow down, trust in timing, and honour the wisdom that exists within the body and the earth. It is a reflection on connection, femininity, ancestry, and the power that can be found when we work with our natural rhythms rather than against them.
Oil on Plywood
670 x 540 mm
(sold unframed)
