Gendered Narratives in Adamantios Diamantis’ The World of Cyprus

Abstract

In this paper, I examine Adamantios Diamantis’ painting The World of Cyprus as a representation of a male-dominated society where women are marginalised. Through the analysis of the artwork, I will consider how the piece presents a traditional ‘world of Cyprus’ that was beginning to disappear during the post-1960s. I will refer to Diamantis’ work as an example to explore gender relations and socio-political conditions in patriarchal Cyprus. I will argue that socio-political conditions in Cyprus left little space for women to contest patriarchy, to fight for gender equality, or to gain public visibility.