National Portrait Gallery and CHANEL Culture Fund Launch Project to Enhance Women's Representation

Violeta Sofia, the London-based RSA Films Photo and Art Photographer and visual artist, is set to take part in the transformative National Portrait Gallery project ‘Reframing Narratives: Women in Portraiture.’   

The three-year initiative aims to revolutionise the representation of women in the National Portrait Gallery's Collection. The project, supported by the CHANEL Culture Fund, seeks to shine a light on the often-overlooked stories of women who have significantly influenced British history and culture.  

The National Portrait Gallery, upon its reopening in 2023 following a comprehensive transformation, will see an increased presence of women artists and sitters on display. The project includes a complete re-presentation of the entire Collection and a significant refurbishment of the gallery building.  

‘Reframing Narratives: Women in Portraiture’ is led by Dr. Flavia Frigeri, the Chanel Curator for the Collection. The project's team will extensively research the National Portrait Gallery's Collection with the goal of enhancing the visibility of select female figures. The project aims to acquire portraits of women who are currently underrepresented in the Collection while also commissioning new portraits of contemporary trailblazing women.  

The initiative will challenge traditional perceptions of women's careers and their portrayal in comparison to their male counterparts. The research conducted as part of the project will delve into the cultural, institutional, social, and political factors that shape difference, including class, race, gender, and sexuality. Notable figures such as Marie-Louise von Motesiczky, Ray Strachey, Gluck, Anna Mahler, and Patience Lovell Wright will have their portraits and stories explored, along with many others.  

Violeta’s journey as an artist has been shaped by her personal experiences. Born in Douala, Cameroon, to a Cameroonian mother and an Equatorial Guinean father, she moved to Madrid at a young age before settling in London. Through her fashion photography, celebrity portraits, and exploration of themes like identity, race, inequality, and politics, Violeta has established herself as a respected and sought-after artist in the industry, with work she has had work published in Vogue, Elle Italia, The Telegraph Magazine, and Deadline Hollywood. 

Violeta's passion for photography and her ability to capture the essence of her subjects align perfectly with the objectives of the project. Through her lens, she seeks to capture the true essence of her sitters, waiting patiently for those special in-between moments that reveal their authentic selves. Her artistic style is rooted in simplicity, often employing a single light source and a reflector. Violeta's work draws inspiration from artists such as Andy Warhol, Marino Parisotto, and Barbara Kruger, while contemporary artists like Laetitia Ky, Nyaba L. Ouedraogo, and Titus Kaphar have also influenced her creative journey. Her portraits of Carey Mulligan, Emerald Fennell, and Saoirse Ronan will be featured in the exhibition.  

Dr. Nicholas Cullinan, director of the National Portrait Gallery, expressed his delight in partnering with Chanel on the project. He noted, "We are delighted to be partnering with Chanel on this important project, which will significantly enhance the representation of women artists and sitters within our Collection. The project will form an integral part of our plans to transform the National Portrait Gallery through our Inspiring People re-development." Dr. Flavia Frigeri, Chanel Curator of the Collection at the National Portrait Gallery, shared her excitement about spotlighting women and telling their untold stories. She said, "Building on the National Portrait Gallery's long-standing commitment to gender equality, I am excited to find further meaningful ways to put women in the spotlight and tell urgent and untold stories that broaden definitions of greatness."  

The exhibition opens June 22nd 2023.