©Jane Weinmann, The Climacteric # 1

This week we will dive into the feminine universe, addressing topics that are often controversial and stigmatized. Considering that October is Menopause Awareness Month, we will have 3 artists with projects developed exclusively on the subject: Jane Weinmann, Benita Mayo and myself (featured on Friday). We will also address violence, sexism and misogyny through the work of Márcia Charnizon and Juliana Sicoli. We begin with the work of Jane Weinmann.

Jane Weinmann is a Swiss-English photographer based in Thun. She explores photography as a visual way to represent the hidden feelings and emotions associated with life events, especially those that affect women.

Using a conceptual approach, she stages images using her own person as the posed subject. She then employs double exposure techniques or adds colour as metaphors for the inner conflict and the hidden self and as ways of layering or challenging meaning. By inviting the viewer to explore these often unspoken issues, Weinmann’s aim is to foster a better awareness and open discussion.

Weinmann originally from the U.K now lives in Switzerland. Her long career working with people from very diverse backgrounds as well as her own personal experiences inform her work. She holds an Honours Degree in Photography from the University of Creative Arts in the UK. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions and featured in magazines.

Instagram @jane.weinmann

©Jane Weinmann, The Climacteric # 2

About The Climacteric 

The Climacteric explores the menopause – a natural occurrence that’s often emotionally and physically challenging yet through which, many women choose silence.

To depict this life changing event, I use black and white imagery as a metaphor for the idea of a ‘before and after’ and the transition from fertile to infertile. To interrogate and visualise the chaotic, powerful and unpredictable emotions, I use self portraits with my body in exaggerated poses and add colour in the form of emojis. Finally, to encourage the viewer to travel with me on this difficult journey, I use the coping mechanism of self-deprecating humour. I lead the viewer into the confusion of the unknown and on to senses of fear, loss or regret. I share my anger, exhaustion and frustration and confront the viewer with sudden and unexpected red images symbolising the heat of a debilitating hot flush. 

The Climacteric is my personal journey but echoes the voices of many other women. With my work I hope to trigger a more understanding conversation.

©Jane Weinmann, The Climacteric # 19

©Jane Weinmann, The Climacteric # 4

What led you to work with photography?

I came to photography relatively late in life when I was looking for a way to ignite my creativity. Photography seemed the perfect choice as it meant I could carry on a family tradition. Both my Grandfather and great Uncle were keen photographers and as a child I was fascinated to see images emerge in the dark room.

I studied photography with the Open College of Arts in the UK which required an exploration of different genres and approaches. As my work began to evolve, one of my tutors reflected that my best work was always related to something very personal. He encouraged me to use this and as a result personal experiences now very much influence my project work. I am particularly interested in using photography as a way to conceptualise difficult or emotional experiences especially those that affect women.

©Jane Weinmann, The Climacteric # 5

©Jane Weinmann, The Climacteric # 22

What motivates you to start a new project? Do personal experiences influence you when choosing themes for projects?

I studied photography with the Open College of Arts in the UK which required an exploration of different genres and approaches. As my work began to evolve, one of my tutors reflected that my best work was always related to something very personal. He encouraged me to use this and as a result personal experiences now very much influence my project work. I am particularly interested in using photography as a way to conceptualise difficult or emotional experiences

©Jane Weinmann, The Climacteric # 7

Why have you started the The Climacteric body of work?

Very definitely my own personal experience! My menopause journey (or to use the medical term – Climacteric) affected me in many ways both emotionally and physically. I researched extensively; medical information, women’s magazines, online support and historical journals. I realised, despite all the information that’s available, many women don’t initially know what is happening. We don’t talk about it and especially not in the workplace – or at least that was the case until more recently. So I decided to produce a body of work that would help women have conversations with their family and colleagues. I wanted images that would trigger questions, challenge the viewer and in turn encourage them to explore the underlying emotions and physical experiences beneath the surface.

©Jane Weinmann, The Climacteric # 10

How do you think photography can help in the discussion of issues related to womanhood?

Photography offers many possibilities both literally and conceptually to visualise the topics we find painful, emotional or just difficult to talk about. Self portraiture for example, allows the artist to very deliberately use their own body in service of the message, the raw emotions or deep rooted experiences they want to depict. Photography is accessible and flexible from the initial creation of the work to the final publishing and dissemination of images for example via social media. As a result, there are many powerful examples of women using photography to raise awareness from topics like domestic violence, breast cancer, pregnancy to feelings of isolation and mental health issues.

©Jane Weinmann, The Climacteric # 18

©Jane Weinmann, The Climacteric # 14

©Jane Weinmann, The Climacteric # 15

©Jane Weinmann, The Climacteric # 16

Born in the Northeast of Brazil and based in São Paulo, Ana Leal is an artist who works primarily with photography. Leal investigates ephemerality and impermanence through records of the minutiae of nature and everyday life. With a strong influence of minimalism and impressionism, her works dialogue with abstraction and have a strong poetic charge.

Leal is a Gold Award winner at the 2020 TIFA and the 15th Julia  Margaret Cameron Award Winner in the abstract category. She also received a Bronze Medal at the ND Awards 2021 and Honorable Mentions at the IPA 2021, Rotterdam Photo 2021, Prix de La Photographie Paris 2019, and The 15th Pollux Awards. She completed her MFA at the Miami International University of Arts and Design (2018) and the Professional Photography Course at the Pan-American School in São Paulo (2013). Her work is part of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts – FMoPA collection.

Instagram: @analealphotography