“Fearless Female” marks the debut exhibition by artist and designer Anne Marie Cummins, exploring a theme that has resonated deeply with her throughout her life.
In reflecting on her creative journey, she sees a consistent message emerge: remember, as a woman, you are strong, powerful, and resilient.
The works in this series pay tribute to heroines of the past and present, delving into their lives, struggles, and legacies. Each artwork is titled after a heroine, though her identity sometimes remains intentionally ambiguous—inviting viewers to engage their own interpretations and recognize personal or historical figures within the work.
Through vivid colour, rich textures, and expressive brushstrokes, Anne Marie captures the strength, energy, and physicality of the female form. Her abstraction of the body allows for multiplicity—encouraging the viewer to perceive more than one figure, more than one story, within a single composition.
A central concept in the exhibition is the reimagining of the gaze. Traditionally a tool of objectification—especially of women—it is reclaimed here. The subjects meet the viewer’s eyes, transforming passive observation into active confrontation. The recurring motif of the eye reinforces this shift, subverting conventional power dynamics. These women are not merely seen—they see.
About Anne Marie Cummins
Anne Marie studied at Sydney College of the Arts and earned a design degree from the University of Technology in Sydney.
She spent much of her career as a creative director in the publishing industry and successfully runs her own design business, which spans multiple disciplines including interior design.
Like many true creatives, she has always painted and drawn and has chosen to expand her design practice to include creating mixed media art pieces.
Creating art is second nature. Abstract and playful, her practice includes gritty, urban, painted street collages and dynamic, bright abstract paintings.
Her expressive artworks reflect “great energy and expression”, drawing inspiration from life, music, travel, the natural Australian landscape and Sydney’s urban cityscape.
Lane Cove Council also commissioned her to provide installations for two of their recycled art projects.
New Studio
Her new studio is a light-filled sanctuary, which she describes as “a place of great happiness.” The energy of this space flows directly into her dynamic brushstrokes and mark-making, creating a powerful synergy between her surroundings and her creative process.
Fearless Female stands as both a tribute and a call to remembrance: a reminder of the strength, power, and resilience inherent in all women. These works honour the past while inspiring strength for the future.
Exhibition Details
Dates: 21 May to 12 June 2025
Special opening event: Saturday May 31st, 3 – 6 pm. (drinks)
Location: Maunsell Wickes
at Barry Stern Galleries
19 Glenmore Road
Paddington NSW 2021
Sydney, Australia
T: 61 2 9331 4676
F: 61 2 9380 8485
Hours:
Tues-Sat 11-5:30pm
Sun 12-5pm
Director:
Dominic Maunsell
Maunsell Wickes is in Sydney’s historic quarter of Paddington. Located in three 1840’s terrace houses the gallery has nine different exhibition spaces and an impressive sculpture courtyard.
The gallery continues to show estabilished as well as mid-career and emerging artists with changing monthly exhibitions and the gallery’s extensive stockroom.
Gallery director Dominic Maunsell has established a reputation for encouraging talented young artists and launching many a successful career.
We advise on collecting and investing in art and offer a valuation service for home or business insurance or superannuation.
Call in to see the vast variety of works by our stable of abstract and figurative painters, printmakers, sculptors and ceramicists.
Anne Marie Cummins Details
Website: https://annemariecummins.com/
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @annemariecumminsart/
Download the Catalogue here.
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