Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Plaisance

Hi Anne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I grew up in Paris, where pursuing art seemed like an impossible dream, especially in the aftermath of the 1970s economic crisis. After earning degrees in international trade and working in the communication field in Poland, my journey toward becoming an artist began as a way to reclaim something for myself. Following the closure of my advertising agency due to the 2008 financial crisis, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of the next step. It was then that I turned to art, initially through travel journaling and finally enrolling in the Fine Arts Academy in Warsaw.

Art became a form of liberation for me. My experiences—both personal and professional—shaped the themes I explore in my work. Over time, I realized that the societal issues I faced personally, such as gender inequality and domestic violence, needed to be addressed through my art. My projects like “Wonder Women Now,” inspired by my time working with survivors of domestic violence, and “Please Tell Her That I Love Her,” born from my daughter’s battle with depression, reflect my desire to make the invisible visible.

Throughout this journey, I’ve exhibited in over 100 shows across the world, received numerous grants, and participated in artist residencies in places like Vermont in the US, Japan, Austria and Montenegro. Art has become my lifeline—a way to express emotions, confront societal injustices, and connect with others on a deeper level. It’s been a path of resilience and empowerment, both for me and the people my art touches.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

IIt hasn’t been a smooth road, and like many artists, I’ve faced numerous struggles along the way, both personally and professionally. Some of the most difficult moments were tied to personal trauma, which has profoundly influenced my work. I faced challenges like the closure of my advertising agency during the 2008 financial crisis, which forced me into a period of self-reflection and a new beginning in art.

A pivotal moment in my journey was leaving an abusive relationship during the 2020 pandemic. Despite my education and accomplishments, I found myself trapped in a toxic environment for over two decades, which took an immense toll on my self-esteem and mental health. The decision to leave was terrifying, especially as I had to ensure the safety of my children while rebuilding my life from scratch. Art, however, became my salvation—it offered a path to healing and allowed me to express my anger and grief. Projects like “Wonder Women Now” and “Badrooms” emerged from these struggles, addressing social issues such as domestic violence and child abuse.

In addition to personal struggles, I’ve also had to navigate the harsh realities of being an artist, particularly the financial instability that comes with it. It’s a difficult path where only a small fraction of artists can fully sustain themselves through their work. Despite these challenges, each difficulty has shaped me into the artist I am today, and I am grateful for the resilience these experiences have cultivated in me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I am a visual artist and curator whose work revolves around deeply rooted social justice themes, particularly issues related to women’s empowerment, gender violence, and taboos in society. My work spans multiple mediums—painting, photography, installations, and curation—allowing me to explore a wide range of subjects. I am especially known for my socially engaged art, including the *”Wonder Women Now”* project, which celebrates the resilience of women affected by domestic violence, and *”Badrooms”*, a powerful installation addressing child sexual abuse.

One of the things that sets me apart is my commitment to blending art with activism. I often call myself an “artivist” because my art doesn’t exist purely for aesthetic pleasure; it is a tool to provoke thought, raise awareness, and create dialogue around difficult and often uncomfortable subjects. For example, *”Wonder Women Now”* started as a collaboration with homeless women survivors of domestic violence in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has grown into an international project highlighting the strength and resilience of women across the globe.

What I am most proud of are the projects that directly impact others. The *”Art’s Room Project”*, for instance, brought healing and empowerment to homeless women through creative workshops. The process of witnessing these women regain confidence and find joy through art has been incredibly rewarding. Similarly, *”Badrooms”*, though challenging, continues to break the silence around child sexual abuse, and survivors have personally thanked me for addressing this taboo

Who else deserves credit in your story?

Many people have played an important role in my journey, and I owe much of my success to their guidance, support, and encouragement. First and foremost, my family—especially my daughters—have been a constant source of strength and inspiration. My youngest daughter, in particular, has deeply influenced my recent work. Her battle with depression and suicidal thoughts during a dark period in our lives inspired the abstract series ‘Please Tell Her That I Love Her,’ which became a creative lifeline for me

I’ve also had the privilege of working with incredible mentors and peers in the art world. For instance, the faculty at the Fine Arts Academy in Warsaw provided me with the foundational skills and confidence to shift my career from advertising to full-time art. Though I initially entered the art world with trepidation, their encouragement helped me find my voice.

Furthermore, the art community in Massachusetts has been incredibly supportive. Grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Cambridge Arts Council were instrumental in enabling projects like The Art’s Room Project—one of the chapters of the ever-evolving Wonder Women Now project, which began in 2016. This initiative focused on homeless women survivors of domestic violence, creating safe and healing spaces where they could express themselves and rebuild confidence through art.

I am also immensely grateful for the support of art curators, galleries, and fellow artists who have embraced my work, even when it addresses difficult topics like domestic violence and child abuse. Their belief in my vision has allowed my projects to grow beyond my expectations, such as the ongoing success of *”Wonder Women Now.”* These collaborators—often other women artists and advocates—have not only provided logistical and creative support but also solidarity in fighting for gender equality and empowerment through art. I also have a wonderful coach, Derrick from the Duplessy Foundation in Boston, who has been instrumental in pushing me beyond my comfort zone and helping me grow. I also love my artist community at Western Avenue Studios in Lowell. They are always encouraging and supportive, providing a nurturing environment that fuels my creativity.” My collectors also play a crucial role by supporting me financially through art commissions, allowing me to continue creating and exploring new projects.

Lastly, I must mention the women I’ve worked with, particularly those involved in my workshops and art projects. They have taught me more than I could ever teach them, showing incredible resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable hardships. They are the true *Wonder Women*, and their courage continues to fuel my commitment to creating art that speaks to the human experience in all its complexities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anneplaisance.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anneplaisance/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063915008930
• Other: https://wonderwomennow.com

Image Credits

Scott Langdon
Anna Olivella
Anne Plaisance