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Since 2018 The Pantheon of Women Who Inspire celebrate the story of the Human Spirit
Information
The Artist - Sema Jonsson
The Story behind the Pantheon
The Story behind the Pantheon
Sema Jonsson, a cosmopolitan of Greek Cretan origin, was born in Izmir, Turkey, and raised in a female-dominated household with a single mother. Her upbringing spanned Norway, Turkey, and the USA, and she has lived in 10 other countries, becoming fluent in seven languages before settling in France in the mid 90s.
Influenced by her artist mother, who ran an international shadow puppet theatre, Sema studied commercial art in the USA and holds certificate in "Healing with the Arts" and Global Diplomacy. Her deep exploration of neuroscience and physiology complements her role as a coach and art therapist, specialising in trauma and self-love.
She has held diverse positions in event planning and within tourism across different countries, eventually becoming the first foreign female appraiser in real estate in France while raising her two sons.
Returning to her artistic roots in Cannes, Sema's art has evolved to convey messages of compassion, hope, and peace through storytelling and visual art. Committed to fostering a kinder and more inclusive world, she uses her art and advocacy to inspire diversity, self-love, and compassion, aiming to create a brighter future.
Since 2021, Sema has partnered with the UN and WHO as an advocate, championing the elimination of hazardous skin-lightening products containing mercury.
"The Pantheon of 400 Women Who Inspire" bears witness to the transformative power of art, inspiration, and the unshakable human spirit's resilience.
The Story behind the Pantheon
The Story behind the Pantheon
The Story behind the Pantheon
The Pantheon of Women was born during a personal hardship in 2018 when I sought inspiration, I immersed myself in stories of remarkable women and found solace and purpose in their journeys.
Painting their portraits became a healing process that inspired hope and resilience.
An irresistible urge to paint overtook me, and I began painting one portrait a day in my living room. I became "her" during the painting process, truly feeling her presence, channeling them in some sort. It became an obsession, and I could not stop.
Their stories brought forth forgotten wounds and aided in my healing. They further inspired me to take classes in art therapy and psychology to understand what was going on. Truly, these women not only shaped my art but also transformed my existence.
Soon, my journey inspired those around me, and with 100 portraits completed a friend Ron Banks from Webster University saw the project's potential and opened many doors, the present project took form.
A chance meeting with Dr. Clementina Acedo, the first female Director of Webster University-Geneva, led to an invitation to exhibit at their 40th anniversary. This sparked the idea for "The Pantheon of Women Who Inspire," an empowering art installation dedicated to spread hope through self-discovery.
The inaugural exhibition in 2018 marked a significant milestone, showcasing the first 100 portraits at the Webster University Geneva 40th Anniversary event which was curated by Dr. Julianna Bark, was a humbling and privileged experience.
"We must rise above others' limitations, conditioning and embrace the freedom that self-love offers". Sema Jonsson
The Portraits
VISION AND MISSION
VISION AND MISSION
Art with a Purpose: Harnessing the Power of Art and Stories for Self-Love, Gender Equality and Self-Empowerment
Art has always served as a profound vehicle for storytelling and a catalyst for societal change.
In 1859, Florence Nightingale wrote, “Little as we know about the way in which we are affected by form, by colour, and light, we do know this, that they have an actual physical effect. Variety of form and brilliancy of colour in the objects presented to patients are actual means of recovery.”
Art, one of the oldest forms of communication and self-expression, has historically been referred to as “medicine.” Sometimes, words alone are insufficient to heal or process trauma, emotions, and memories stored in the body and brain. Creative expression reaches the subconscious mind, where a subtle shift in perspective can lead to profound change.
Healing begins with self-love and acceptance.
In a receptive state, an image, story, or even a single word can spark a mini-Satori, akin to enlightenment. We may identify with a character in a story and experience a sense of accomplishment. The character’s voice resonates within us, guiding us forward. (Dr. Milton Erickson)
This exhibition delves into the transformative power of art and storytelling to promote tolerance, compassion, and understanding.
It celebrates the extraordinary potential of humanity, offering a journey of self-empowerment through art, human achievements, and history.
The exhibition invites viewers to explore a world brimming with talent, purpose, passion, and unwavering determination. It uses art and stories to empower and educate, showcasing women from every corner of the globe dedicated to improving our world.
This traveling exhibition, not for sale, visits prestigious universities and significant global events. Its mission is to ignite dialogue, foster self-empowerment, inspire hope, peace, and compassion.
VISION AND MISSION
VISION AND MISSION
VISION AND MISSION
WHY Now?
The UN’s 2030 target for empowering women and achieving gender equality is more pressing than ever. In a time of radical uncertainties and rising challenges—racism, bullying, populism, sexism, hate, and misogyny—we face pivotal decisions that will shape the future of humanity itself.
Technological advancements and the end of globalization have ushered in an era of tremendous change. In this landscape, creativity, ideas, and hope are crucial. Drawing inspiration from others’ achievements fosters self-reflection and resilience.
A global movement for women’s empowerment is gaining momentum across all sectors. The EU’s 40% target for gender representation, for instance, forecasts a potential 30% GDP growth by 2030.
At The Pantheon of Women Who Inspire®, our mission is to harness the power of storytelling and the arts to inspire and empower young people. Through cultural understanding, we foster compassion, tolerance, and diversity. Education, compassion, and understanding are pivotal in combating hate and prejudice.
Embarking on our transformative journey, we invite individuals to discover themselves and their potential. By exploring art, human achievements, and history, we celebrate the extraordinary stories of women who have left an indelible mark on our world.
Our goal is to spark positive change and cultivate empathy through the stories of prominent figures. We envision a society that embraces inclusivity and harmony, celebrating the power and diversity of the human spirit.
Our Vision: To reduce gender bias and discrimination by initiating dialogue around the world’s foremost art collection of inspiring women, promoting self-love, acceptance, and empowerment.
“An artist’s calling is to illuminate the human heart, revealing self-awareness to the audience. May seeds of compassion, creativity, dreams, and love flourish in the hearts of the young, shaping a world enriched by dignified individuals dedicated to bettering humanity.” – Sema Jonsson
Art and Storytelling
Using the arts as a healing device can be incredibly beneficial for mental well-being.
- Expressing Emotions: The arts provide a non-verbal means of expressing complex emotions that can be difficult to articulate.
- Catharsis: Engaging in creative activities can offer emotional release and catharsis, allowing individuals to let go of pent-up feelings.
- Self-Exploration: Artistic pursuits encourage self-reflection, helping individuals better understand themselves and their thoughts and feelings.
- Stress Reduction: Art can be a calming and meditative activity, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Building Resilience: Overcoming creative challenges can boost self-esteem and resilience, helping individuals better cope with life's ups and downs.
- Social Connection: Participating in group art activities fosters a sense of community and connectedness, combating feelings of isolation.
- Distraction: Immersion in creative projects can divert attention from negative thought patterns and worries.
- Enhanced Communication: For some, art provides an alternative means of communication when verbal communication is challenging.
- Boosted Confidence: Accomplishing creative goals can increase self-confidence and a sense of achievement.
- Empowerment: Art empowers individuals to take control of their own healing process and encourages a sense of agency.
These reasons illustrate how the arts can play a significant role in supporting mental health and well-being.
Storytelling can be a powerful tool to help with mental problems for various reasons:
- Catharsis: Sharing one's story can be cathartic, providing emotional relief and a sense of closure.
- Empowerment: Sharing personal stories can empower individuals by allowing them to reclaim their narrative and gain a sense of control over their experiences.
- Reduction of Stigma: Sharing stories about mental health can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illnesses, making it easier for others to seek help.
- Relatability: Hearing stories from others can help individuals realize that they are not alone in their struggles, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
- Self-Reflection: Engaging with stories, whether one's own or others', can lead to self-reflection and insight, aiding in personal growth and healing.
- Validation: Sharing or hearing stories can validate one's feelings and experiences, providing comfort and reassurance.
- Awareness: Personal stories can raise awareness about various mental health issues and their impact on individuals and society.
- Emotional Expression: Storytelling provides a safe and expressive outlet for emotions and thoughts that may be difficult to convey otherwise.
- Education: Hearing personal stories can educate individuals about different mental health conditions, their symptoms, and available treatments.
- Inspiration: Personal stories of overcoming mental health challenges can inspire hope, resilience, and motivation for those facing similar issues.
By incorporating storytelling into mental health support and awareness initiatives, we can promote understanding, empathy, and healing in individuals and communities.