Self-portraiture has always been a tool of empowerment for women. Societies have led us to believe that, as women, we have a certain place and need to perform in a certain way and this has been like wearing a straight jacket. Feminist politics have affected changes to these patriarchal ideas, and photography has been one of its tools.
The earliest photographic self-portraits date back to 1839 at the same time as the medium was invented, and self-portraits by women became known as early as the mid-1850s with the extraordinary images directed by Countess Castiglione in Paris.
Headstrong celebrates the work of living photographers based in Britain. It looks at women who have made work that is concerned with how they are represented, what they are dealing with in their everyday lives and what it means to embrace diversities that challenge the conservative order of a patriarchal society. Their work is playful, thought-provoking and often surprising.
Also on show until 23 April 2023:
The English At Home
Andrew Bruce and Anna Fox: Spitting/Spitting Image
Jo Spence: Fairytales and Photography
Natasha Curuana
Heather Agyepong
Paul Hill
Shirley Baker
Karen Knorr
Colin Jones
| Duration | 26 January 2023 - 23 April 2023 |
| Times | Wednesday to Friday: 11am - 6pm Saturday and Sunday: 11am - 4pm |
| Cost | Free |
| Venue | The Centre for British Photography |
| Address | 49 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6LX |
| Contact | 02074990570 / info@britishphotography.org / www.britishphotography.org/ |