The Caryatids

The Caryatids is an ongoing body of work, originally commissioned by The Cheltenham Trust in 2020.

As one of 6 ‘Artists in THEIR Residence’ commissioned by the Wilson Art Gallery during the COVID-19 pandemic, Martha’s project has explored the Caryatid form found in statues and sculptures, notably the 32 ‘armless ladies’ found in Cheltenham’s Montpellier district. This local landmark is an appropriation of the original Ancient Greek statues and is tied-up with a divisive narrative of British colonialism and patriarchy.

This project seeks to reimagine Cheltenham’s Caryatids using real, present-day women as inspiration. The heavy weight of stone that each figure carries with their body is intended as an allegory for the various burdens carried by each sitter - ranging from emotional and mental hardship, to ill-health and disability, childcare and family responsibilities and the spectre of the pandemic.

‘Thanks to each of the portrait sitters for sharing their stories with me, it has been a real privilege to work with you and celebrate your endurance in this project!’