Brittany Exhibit Reclaims History of “Witches”

The abbey of Daoulas in Brittany, France will host “Ma sorcière mal nommée” (My Misnamed Witch), an exhibit challenging historical stereotypes of witches. The exhibit aims to deconstruct the negative image of witches as ugly and malicious figures commonly found in stories and even dictionaries. Curators will present art, archives, and objects to reveal the diverse roles historically associated with the term “witch,” including priestesses, healers, and women with botanical or spiritual knowledge.

The exhibit will explore how various figures were grouped under the single label of “witch” and contrast persistent myths with historical realities.

“Ma sorcière mal nommée” will run from June 5 to November 29, 2026, and will showcase the witch as a universal figure across cultures, from Beninese Voodoo to Korean shamans and contemporary practitioners. The exhibit intends to highlight the symbolic richness of the figure and its continued inspiration for artists and writers.