True Fact: The "female poisoner" is a Western European cultural construct, and not a universal truth. Western Europe, particularly during the holy Roman Empire, France, Spain and England, had falsely accused women, mainly as being "the poisoning wife", "witch with poisons" etc. Women who handled food, herbs and medicine were the most vulnerable, and were accused disproportionally. Court cases often relied on rumor, suspicion, or forced confessions. The installation consists of a video on screen, of the artist icing her 5-rose birthday cake, as well as a table-scape onboard that includes: Set of 11 hand painted porcelain plates 27cm diameter, with landscape and flora painted on their underside** (one is required to turn the plate over to see the artwork, inspired by Mediterranean toxic plants), 11 sachets of dried plants and seeds, 11 silver spoons and a centre piece of roses. Opposite the dining table, is the artist's atelier-desk, with books on display, more hand painted cups (11), a dry flower bouquet, and the artist’s captain’s hat & diary. A rose cake, as seen on the screen, as well as an ouzo cocktail is served for the viewers/guests upon request.

---Installation is onboard the SY “Ocean Voice” , with a Cypriot flag and a post on Instagram "SailingAtelier", letting viewers know as to which port the art installation is berthed. This floating atelier is circumnavigating the Mediterranean between 2024 to 2026. The installation is an open studio visit onboard. At the time of this video, and the birthday event, the yacht was berthed in Palma, Spain facing the Santa Maria Cathedral. The feminist concept behind the title of the art piece as interpreted by AI: Given the context of an art installation for a dinner party, the statement “No, I will not poison you just because I’m a woman” can take on several specific connotations related to themes of art, gender, and social dynamics. Here are some potential interpretations in this setting: The title is a playful provocation, drawing attention to gender stereotypes and societal expectations. It could serve to spark conversation about the portrayal of women in media, literature, or art, particularly in relation to themes of danger or deceit. A subversion of norms where women are often depicted as "poisonous" or manipulative figures, challenging the audience to reconsider their preconceived notions about women and agency. A social commentary on the interactions between guests at the dinner party, highlighting the sometimes fraught dynamics in gender relations, notions of power, vulnerability, and femininity in a social context. It plays with the absurdity of the idea that one's gender could determine harmful intentions and calls for the audience directly, encouraging them to respond, react, and participate in the conversation generated by the installation. In summary, the installation of a dinner party, the statement can serve multiple functions, ranging from critique and commentary to playful engagement, inviting guests to reflect on societal norms related to gender while enjoying the experience of art and community.

Note: **Meissen, Royal Worcester, Serves, Limoges, Delfware…all have collectible plates of underside paintings.

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Video Subtitles:

It’s raining outside, dark clouds and so I have brought my birthday tea party down here in the galley, it’s an installation, a performance with actual invitees tonight to celebrate my birthday.

These are some tools that I used to make the cake, and here is me on screen putting the ouzo in a champagne glass.

The table is set for eight guests each one has a gift bag [of toxic flowers] and when they turn the plate upside down, there is a landscape painting, each one with a toxic flower.

Here, see beneath, another one …

Opposite is my [floating] art studio, more guests will come.

 And the installation is inspired by these books: Trees and Shrubs in Cyprus that Contain Toxic Substances” [by the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environment, Department of Forests] and from these books as well: “Poisonous Toxic Plants in Cyprus” and “Aromatic and Spice Plants in Cyprus, from Antiquity to the Present”.

This is my Sailing Atelier sketchbook

And here are a few hand painted cups [Lantana, Thibetia, Jasmin, Horse Chestnut, Oleander, Buckthorn…]