Description
Rising Goddess by Cynthia MacAdams – Fine Art Giclée Print
Celebrate strength, identity, and feminine energy with Rising Goddess, a powerful photographic work by American artist Cynthia MacAdams. Known for her role in the feminist art movement of the 1970s, MacAdams created images that honour women’s presence, individuality, and connection to nature. As a result, this work carries both artistic and cultural significance.
Description of the Image
At the centre of the composition is a softly lit female torso, presented in a natural and unembellished way. The figure is shown without clothing, yet the image feels calm and respectful rather than provocative. Subtle textures and tonal variations give the photograph a dreamlike quality.
The composition focuses on form, light, and presence. There is a quiet sense of emergence, as if the figure is rising or becoming. Consequently, the image suggests themes of renewal, self-awareness, and inner strength.
The Meaning Behind Rising Goddess
MacAdams created works like Rising Goddess during a time of social and cultural change. Her photography often explored women’s identity and empowerment. Rather than idealising the body, she presented it as real, grounded, and symbolic. Therefore, this image can be seen as a celebration of personal transformation and feminine power.
About the Artist
Cynthia MacAdams (born Cynthia Rose Adams in 1939) is an American photographer and actress. She became widely known for her book Emergence (1977), which documented women in natural settings during the feminist movement. Her work combines portraiture with symbolic imagery, often focusing on themes of freedom, spirituality, and self-expression.
Cynthia MacAdams – In her own words
“When I started photography, I was an angry Hollywood actress. I’d failed to make acting on film a source of enlightenment. There were no mindful roles for women to play. And when I realized that film was just a bunch of brainwashing equipment, I became very disillusioned. It took a lot of meditating for me to find myself. Eventually, I realized my freedom wasn’t going to come through acting because I was doing scripts conceived by men who were selling women short in the system. In order to survive, I had to find another technique. Aloma told me to pick up a camera and get in focus. I knew that I needed an expression. I’d done tai chi, zazen, macrobiotics, kundalini yoga, astrology, scientology and Reichian therapy. I’d studied with Tibetan lamas in the Himalayas. Still, I had no expression besides acting which gave me an objectivity toward the universe. I was extremely subjective. Everything had a gross importance to me and it was really crippling. Finally, I began to focus with my camera.”
Museum-Quality Giclée Print
This premium giclée print captures the subtle tones and fine detail of the original photograph. Ideal for contemporary interiors, studios, or gallery walls, Rising Goddess adds depth, meaning, and quiet strength to any space. Order your high-quality print today and experience a powerful piece of modern photographic art.
Exhibitions: Cynthia MacAdams’ work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States since 1977.
Books:
‘Mayan Vision Quest’ is a collection of exquisite Mayan Temple sites published by Harper Collins, 1991. The acclaimed
‘Rising Goddess’ Morgan and Morgan, 1983, shows MacAdams mastery of nude subjects. ‘Emergence’, published by Chelsea House, 1979, MacAdams captures the spirit of emergent women, including Mary Ellen Mark, Gloria Steinem, Patti Smith, Kate Millett and others.
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