By Megan Sullivan
Assistant Circulation Editor
Modern photography is a realm of art dominated by men who commonly photograph women. #Girlgaze is a revolutionary movement that challenges the gender role predetermined by today’s culture by working to put more women behind the camera.
“#Girlgaze: A frame of mind” is a photography exhibit that highlights the creativity, complexity and diversity that defines a girl, which is achieved through its planned, interactive layout and large display of unique photographs.
#Girlgaze is not just an exhibit; It is an entire movement headed by feminists Amanda de Cadenet, Amber Valletta, Collier Schorr, Inez Van Lamsweerde, Lynsey Addario and Sam Taylor Johnson. They focus on showing the world through the perspective of women and hope to encourage girls’ creativity by combating gender roles perpetuated by modern culture and society.
The movement is most active on social media through their hashtag: #girlgaze. The photographs used in the exhibit located at the Annenberg Space for Photography were submitted through Instagram and other social media websites by women from all over the world.
The exhibit is meticulously planned out in order to successfully engage viewers. Each section is designed to convey a different part of the female experience. For example, one section titled “Where She Dreams,” contains a selection of different photographs taken in bedrooms. The display is set up to look like a small room which enhances the idea of the bedroom being a vital part of a girl’s world.
Parallel to the movement’s idea that all girls have a unique mindset to offer, each photograph provides a different perspective of the world. The exhibit features both portraits and group shots, along with pictures of medications, hands, couples and landscapes. None of the photos are redundant or boring because of the intermixed diversity of subjects. This variety makes the exhibit extremely intriguing and further proves its point of the importance of female diversity.
In addition to the variety of subjects photographed, each picture has its own style that reflects the views of the artist. Some photos were taken with iPhones while others were taken on professional cameras and some are color while others are black and white. Each photo portrays a theme or idea such as the struggle of an eating disorder, the aftermath of a suicide attempt or the importance of friendship. The combination of style and theme gives the photographs purpose and a lasting impact on the viewer.
The intrigue of the exhibit is improved by its interactive setup. There are large tables that hold scattered photographs for viewers to look through, featuring new additions to the Instagram as the movement continues to grow. There are also iPads on the tables that tell stories of individuals who have attempted to break gender roles and there is a place where viewers can photograph themselves, allowing the viewer to contribute their own picture to the others.
“#Girlgaze: A frame of mind” is very empowering and enjoyable due to its detailed layout, variety of photographs and ability to connect with viewers. All of these elements collaborate in order to successfully promote the power of girls and support women working in the arts, all while defying typical gender roles and cultural expectations.
“#Girlgaze: A frame of mind” opened October 22 and will be at the Annenberg Space for Photography until February 26. In order to learn more about the #girlgaze movement, visit www.girlgaze.tv or Instagram page @girlgazeproject.
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