Anna, Maria, and Sue Too: Ingrid's Silent Women's Power Army
- femkevaniperen
- Dec 6
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Women's empowerment remains a vital topic, and Ingrid, a promising Dutch artist in Rome, is highlighting it through vibrant colours and bold brushstrokes. Her work has been featured in prominent exhibitions, including those on the iconic Via Margutta, and is currently on display at the Museo Civico di Zoologia. A glimpse into an innovative artist's studio in Rome.
Somewhere in the heart of Rome, in the artists' quarter of Lorenzo to be precise, something is brewing. Because in a small apartment in this neighborhood, known for its vibrant, bohemian atmosphere and as the site of, among other things, the Basilica di San Lorenzo fuori le Mura — one of Rome's seven pilgrimage churches — a painter is busy depicting the intrinsic topic of women power. A power that, despite years of feminist progress, continues to be challenged and hampered.
A Profusion of Paintings
The painter, a Dutch native, Ingrid van Woudenberg, shares the small apartment with her Roman husband, their golden retriever Texel, and a selection of furniture from previous home adventures in South Africa and London. From here, in Art Studio 56, she paints as if her life depended on it, with a profusion of paintings now adorning the hallways of her apartment building and spilling over into boxes in a small garage.
Ingrid's paintings, mainly recognised by strong images of women with antlers, have adorned walls in exhibitions such as Galerie Agnes Nord, Paris, France, Galerie Thompson, Zug, Switzerland, and Galerie Casa della Art, Palma, Mallorca.
More recently, they were among an exhibition at the the Dantebus Margutta Gallery at the famous Via Margutta. The famous ancient cobbled Roman street has been a centre for artists for centuries, with notable figures like Picasso and Fellini having lived or worked there. It is also home to the "Fontana delle Arti" (Fountain of the Arts). Plus, Ingrid's works are now being showcased at an exhibition at Rome's renowned Museo Civico di Zoologia.
Women Power and Antlers
Ingrid's paintings are unmistakably identifiable by the powerful depictions of individual women, each accompanied by what ancient Australian Aboriginal or Native Indian cultures might refer to as a "spirit animal," or adorned with a deer's antlers.
Each figure often features a woman's name and exudes a beauty that is as striking as it is defiant, resembling a formidable yet graceful army of women's empowerment. You could also say each woman in the picture is like the famous She-Wolfe, the very symbol of Rome.
During an interview by the Dantebus Margutta Gallery for the prestigious Dantebus Contest — which received over 60,000 artworks for the 2025 competition and whose winners, including Ingrid, will be featured in the renowned e-catalogue "The Life of an Artist" —Ingrid said: "Beautiful images are powerful — but they must have meaning. I see it as my duty to wake people up. Art, for me, is now the most honest way to speak."
The Other Side of Rome
Ingrid is establishing her presence in a city that is, naturally, famous for its fascinating history. However, throughout the ages, from ancient Rome to modern-day Italy, another reality has persisted: women in Rome — as in the rest of the world but in notably high numbers here — have been victims of domestic violence at the hands of men. More recent incidents in and around Rome, including the tragic murders of university students, have ignited protests and widespread public outrage.
"I've been living in Rome for quite a few years now," Ingrid tells Perspective Living. "Hearing these local news stories about young women whose lives were tragically cut short by men deeply resonated with me. It connected with my own struggles with confidence as a woman, and those feelings continued to intensify."
"Ultimately," Ingrid continues, "the only way I could move forward was by channeling those emotions into painting. The use of deer antlers perfectly captured that emotion. They are, after all, a universal symbol of strength, embodying power and protection, particularly due to their role in combat and defense."
"The use of deer antlers perfectly captured the emotion. They are, after all, a universal symbol of strength, embodying power and protection, particularly due to their role in combat and defense."
Just be Normal
Although Ingrid has been painting for "just" a few years, her work exudes a sense of lifelong experience and self-confidence. This creates a striking contrast with how Ingrid herself, as a woman, navigates the world: she often tries not to stand out, not to be boastful. Women are, after all, even today, expected to conform to the mould of acceptable womanhood, or, today still, risk being being labelled a ''b....tch". This is even more so true for a Dutch woman, given the nation's cultural saying: "Just act normal, that's crazy enough."
Ingrid's Roman Women's Army, including: Rinske with Cow, Anna with Dog, Sara The Woman
A Sense of Connection
However ,Ingrid's bold creations emanate from the profound power of being a woman. By choosing to stand out rather than conform, she defies norms with her paintings, telling compelling stories of women. Her art is driven by a deep inner strength, free from the self-doubt and fear that many women face. Viewing her work reveals her genuine connection with her subjects.
My Message to Women
"My art has been exhibited in renowned galleries in Rome and beyond, with a unique theme – no landscapes here," she adds with a giggle: "only women with antlers. Yet, despite this success (as is "appropriate" for a woman), I still sometimes feel like I don't quite fit in or that my work doesn't meet the standards," says Ingrid.
"What keeps me going, though," she adds, "is reminding myself of the message: to support women in general. I hope my paintings send a message to women everywhere: you are strong, whether you believe it or not."
Ingrid isn't world-famous yet, but her path to success is clearly laid out. Moreover, her message holds greater significance than achieving global dominance. Perhaps she can leave that pursuit to men, who seem to excel at it quite well.
"I hope my paintings send a message to women everywhere: you are strong, whether you believe it or not."
About the artist: Ingrid van Woudenberg
Ingrid van Woudenberg, a self-taught painter, specialises in portraits of women, animals, and the human form. Her work combines beauty, sensitivity, and a social message, addressing contemporary issues. Ingrid captures her subjects' essence, provoking thought and emotion. Her use of animals symbolises women's strength beyond intuition and nurturing. She portrays women's vulnerability, strength, humour, and uniqueness in a compelling narrative.
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