The Lorenzo Swinton Gallery is pleased to announce our April exhibition “The Woman in the Garden” featuring the works of Alyssa Beach.

The Woman in the Garden explores the complex interplay between femininity, nature, and mythology. This exhibition delves into the duality of the woman as both nurturer and tempter, healer and outcast, illuminating the ways in which these tropes have been misconstrued and manipulated throughout history.

At the heart of this inquiry is the archetype of the Woman in the Garden—perhaps one of the oldest representations of female duality. She stands in her natural state, embodying resourcefulness and healing, yet also a symbol of temptation. 

In varied mythologies, the garden is positioned paradoxically as both her protective haven, or site of her banishment; it is where she exists in harmony with nature while simultaneously exerting dominion over it to provide for others. This intricate relationship creates an impossible expectation, positioning her as a figure both constrained and liberated.

In this sacred space, we encounter shades of her assigned archetypes: the witch alone in the woods, the maiden, the goddess, the eternal mother, the crone. Each persona reflects societal desires and fears, shaped by the demands placed upon her. The garden, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, is a liminal space where innocence meets experience, offering infinite possibilities for growth, healing, and transformation. Here, every bloom and blade of grass resonates with the potential for abundance and knowledge.

Through an array of painted works, The Woman in the Garden invites you to reconsider inherited narratives and the power dynamics that inform them. As we celebrate the magic of the natural world, we also honor the resilience and resourcefulness of women throughout history. This exhibition serves as a reclamation of the garden—transforming it from a space of confinement into one of empowerment, knowledge, and untamed possibility.