Signet Bank supports the exhibition “WOMEN MONSTERS” – a bold art project that speaks about strength, self-determination, and topics often considered uncomfortable in society

We believe that art plays a vital role in shifting mindsets. This exhibition challenges prejudice and highlights qualities that have often been interpreted as “dangerous” when embodied by women – autonomy, wisdom, strength, and sexual freedom. In today’s society, these qualities are the foundation of liberty and dignity.

By supporting this exhibition, we affirm our belief that powerful ideas and bold works of art deserve space to inspire, question, and provoke.

Signet Bank’s relationship with art is close and long-standing—since 2015, we have been building the bank’s contemporary art collection and purposefully supporting Latvia’s art community, especially local artists.

Sabīne Vernere’s exhibition WOMEN MONSTERS is a powerful and timely artistic manifesto. It brings to light qualities that for centuries have been viewed by society as ‘dangerous’ when present in a woman—strength, curiosity, self-determination, and the freedom to express one’s sexuality. Today, these traits are a testament to independence and self-worth.

Art must provoke, spark dialogue, invite reflection, and inspire. Sabīne’s exhibition will undoubtedly be among those that generate a wide range of perspectives,

says Ineta Done, Member of the Management Board, Signet Bank.

It is no surprise that the roots of this so-called ‘evil’ can often be traced to acts of violence and oppression carried out by male gods. For example, the legendarily beautiful Medusa, one of the three Gorgon sisters, was raped by the sea god Poseidon in Athena’s temple. Yet it was not the perpetrator who was punished, but Medusa herself – her beautiful hair was turned into snakes, and her enchanting gaze into a deadly weapon.

Women-monsters arise precisely from such acts of violence, and everything these powerful and beautiful beings continue to do afterward – just to survive or reclaim their autonomy—frightens the patriarchy even more. Their demonization grows with each new mythology of fear, but even trapped in a dark mirror, the woman-monster continues to dance, sing, and thrive – out of defiance and simply out of joy for life,

says Sabīne Vernere, the artist.

The exhibition will be open to visitors from March 28 to May 10 at Gallery ASNI, Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street 17A, Riga.