Susan Sontag. Image from altmedia.net.au
In 1999, Annie Leibovitz released “Women”, a compilation of portraits showcasing the unmatched strength of over 200 women. Comprising individuals from all walks of life, the American photographer’s project has grown to feature a diverse number of women including hip hop musician Lil Kim, activist Malala Yousafzai and Queen Elizabeth II.
Now, 15 years later, the celebrated artist is bringing “Women” on a world tour sponsored by UBS. Joining the iconic images from her original series are newer photos of women in contemporary culture. Previously exhibited at a range of astounding locations, the show has spent 2016 travelling from a power station in London to a railway station in Singapore and even an aircraft hanger in San Francisco. On 14 October, the exhibition makes its stop in Frankfurt at the Kunstverein Familie Montez, an equally impressive space located underneath the city’s Honsell bridge.
A testament to the project’s subject matter, Leibovitz is quick to reaffirm the hard work of all women involved. On feminist Gloria Steinem’s assistance in compiling women and issues to document, the photographer remembers a conversation in which Steinem remarked: “There’s a deep lack of imagery that shows women as whole human beings. It is important for the world to see who we are, our diversity and the work we are doing.”
The exhibition space consists of three electronic screens as well as an expansive wall of printed photographs. Two of the screens shuffle through images from the original art book, while the third remains fixated on Leibovitz’s famous photograph of Queen Elizabeth II taken in 2007 for Vanity Fair – symbolising the royal figure’s immense power. The wall of printed photographs is much more democratic, as it removes social standing to display each woman’s image in similar dimensions and in no particular order. Some work is taken from Leibovitz’s 13-year tenure at Rolling Stone, which lasted from 1970 until 1983, as well as her time at Vogue throughout the ’90s.
Narelle Brennan and her daughters, Sarah and Briana Brennan. Image from mezzocielo.it and Narelle Brennan “Showgirl at Bally’s Casino” Image from ricardomenkes.blogspot.com
“I’m more concerned with two pictures explaining how things are” – Annie Leibovitz
One of the most notable sets of images comes from a series Leibovitz produced for the New Yorker. Three flashy photographs each focus on a different Las Vegas showgirl, with each woman donning a glamorously ornate costume. Positioned alongside each photo is a simple black and white photograph of each performer in her everyday attire. Leibovitz expresses her fascination towards this dichotomy, and its role in helping her come to terms with her work as a conceptual artist rather than a photographer. “Photography is about that one shot, that decisive moment – like Henri Cartier-Bresson always said. Whereas I’m more concerned with two pictures explaining how things are.”
Regarding any differences between the women photographed in 1999 versus the women shot today, Leibovitz comments on the increased strength and confidence she notices in present-day subjects like Sheryl Sandberg. Looking towards the future, she expresses a strong desire to photograph other powerful women, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel ranking high on the artist’s wish list.
At a press screening for the exhibition held earlier this week, we asked Leibovitz about her publicised request to photograph the now-unveiled author Elena Ferrante: “I know that she prefers not to be photographed, but I was in Milan and mentioned it thinking maybe she’d step out of the shadows. I’m a big fan of her work and her desire to remain anonymous captivates me. Now that she’s been discovered it’s all in due time.”
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – OCTOBER 11: Annie Leibovitz attends the press conference of ‘WOMEN: New Portraits By Annie Leibovitz’ at ‘Kunstverein Familie Montez e.V.’ on October 11, 2016 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images for UBS) Annie Leibovitz
“WOMEN: New Portraits” by Annie Leibovitz, commissioned by UBS, Kunstverein Familie Montez e.V. Frankfurt am Main, 14 October – 6 November 2016. Photo: Thomas Lohnes/ Getty
“WOMEN: New Portraits” by Annie Leibovitz, commissioned by UBS. Kunstverein Familie Montez e.V., Frankfurt am Main, 14 October – 6 November 2016. Photo: Thomas Lohnes/ Getty
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – OCTOBER 11: Annie Leibovitz attends the press conference of ‘WOMEN: New Portraits By Annie Leibovitz’ at ‘Kunstverein Familie Montez e.V.’ on October 11, 2016 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images for UBS) Annie Leibovitz
“WOMEN: New Portraits” by Annie Leibovitz, and sponsored by UBS, is on display at Frankfurt’s Kunstverein Familie Montez from 14 October until 6 November