Witches exhibition brings magic and myth to Washington Arts Centre
Written by Sophie Airson on 25th October 2025
An exhibition at the Washington Art Centre is exploring how myths and magic around witches and warlocks have evolved from the past to the present day.
The Witches exhibition brings together local artists’ interpretations of witchcraft and the supernatural, challenging traditional depictions and celebrating new perspectives.
One of the featured artists, James Wilkinson, said: “Whenever a work of art is made about the past, it can’t avoid, in some way, being a comment on the present day.”
Wilkinson’s painting portrays a modern-day woman battling her inner demons, rather than a stereotypical “historic” witch. The work reflects how the idea of the witch has shifted in culture — from feared outsider to a symbol of strength and defiance. It suggests that the women persecuted and put on trial for witchcraft were often just ordinary women who resisted the roles society expected them to play.
Artist: James Wilkinson Photo Credit: Sophie Airson
The exhibition also highlights how old superstitions continue to influence modern behaviour — from reading horoscopes and making wishes over birthday candles to the old belief that covering your mouth when yawning stops the devil from entering.
While witchcraft still exists today, it often takes a very different form. Modern Wicca, for example, is widely practiced as a nature-based religion focused on self-care, healing, and empowerment — far removed from the dark, sinister stereotypes of the past.
Artist: James Wilkinson Photo Credit: Sophie Airson
The Witches exhibition is free to visit at Washington Art Centre until 1 November 2025. Follow @jameswilkinsonart on Instagram to see more of Wilkinson’s work.
