100 Women: Collaborations Beyond the Veil

100 Women: Collaborations Beyond The Veil

Ginny Sykes

Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suﬀrage and the Ratiﬁcation of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution Acknowledgements

This catalogue is published in conjunction with:

Exhibition Curated by Elizabeth Loch Based on the original solo performance August 26th-December 1st, 2020 and outdoor exhibition Woodson Regional Public Library at Dryphoto Arte Contemporanea in Prato, Italy 9525 S Halsted Street, Chicago Illinois by Ginny Sykes

Strength in Suffrage: A Live Stream Event Hosted by the Chicago Women’s History Center Featuring: Video by Ginny Sykes Poetry by Carron Little In loving memory of Teresa Mangiacapra, for being with me from the beginning. THE CHICAGO WOMEN’S History Center was honored to and ways of knowing on every level. For us, knowledge of support the most recent presentation of Ginny Sykes’ women’s past activities – women’ history – was an essential spectacular public art project 100 Women: Collaborations ingredient in developing an enlarged consciousness that made Beyond the Veil during August, 2020; the 100th anniversary possible the explosion of women’s activism during this time. It month of the passage of the U.S. Women’s Suffrage was understood that knowledge of women’s history went hand Amendment. Through working with Ginny to develop an in hand with women’s social and political activism. interpretive video for her piece, and support bringing her work to a world-wide audience through a digital broadcast Since its start in the 1970s, CWHC has participated in, and, at on Women’s Equality Day 2020, I developed a profound times, been at the forefront of, many evolutions of thought, understanding of this project’s capacity to move, inspire, subject, and method in women’s history. In the 1990s, we communicate, illuminate, astound, and transform. researched, wrote, and published an award-winning seminal book, Women Building Chicago 1790 – 1990, a Biographical The Chicago Women’s History Center (CWHC) was founded Dictionary, which contains extensive biographies of 423 in the early 1970s, during the birth of the second wave Chicago women, and, in its choice of entries, emphasizes women’s movement, to research, preserve, interpret, diversity in backgrounds, class, race, ethnicity, and sexual publish, and disseminate women’s history. At the time, we orientation. Our current project, “Documenting Women’s regarded this effort as a political act, a rebellion against a Activism and Leadership in the Chicago Area, 1945 – 2000”, patriarchal system that erased women’s experiences, work, uses oral history interviews, collection of archival documents, and digital publishing to uncover, interpret, and share As a women’s historian, I am impressed with Ginny’s project information about women’s activism—particularly the on several levels. The mere fact that she interviewed and activism of women of color during the late 20th century. photographed 100 Chicago women of various ages, ethnicities, races, and backgrounds, and documented this Because of this long-range perspective, I am particularly material in the exhaustive catalog presented here is, in itself, a aware of the relevance of Ginny’s 100 Women: notable accomplishment, and a significant contribution to Collaborations Beyond the Veil project to our current women’s history. Beyond that, her ability to evoke both the historical moment, locally, nationally, and internationally. At a commonality and the specificity of the women photographed time when public monuments to famous men—symbols of a by posing them all in the same regal, draped dress with one racist, classist, sexist past—are being torn down in the name hand on their heart and one hand on their abdomen – the of a more enlightened and inclusive vision for society, seats of female intuition – brings a subtle sense of paradox, of Ginny’s one hundred beautiful banners honoring women’s “holding the tension of the opposites,” to the piece. It evokes collective power arrive to take their place. At a time when the the age old question at the heart of women’s history: are proper representation of history in the public arena and in women the same, or are they different? our curriculum are being questioned on every level, 100 Women: Collaborations Beyond the Veil steps in with quiet The form of Ginny’s piece is also remarkable. She has printed grace to reveal alternative possibilities. the full-length photos of each woman on translucent fabric, creating a series of banners that, when hung, gently approaching a crisis point, and our most precious democratic undulate. values are threatened, the power, beauty, dignity, intimacy, and passion expressed by 100 Women: Collaborations They are flexible and porous enough to let light through, but Beyond the Veil is certain to be experienced as a welcome at the same time, they are strong and resilient, reflecting intervention wherever it is displayed. attributes of the subjects they portray. This light-filled quality of the banners stands in striking contrast to more traditional I am happy to have been involved in this project during its masculine monuments crafted out of marble or stone. The emergence in Chicago. I hope that it will receive the generous form of the banners themselves are a reference to the support it deserves in order to be seen and appreciated by an original women suffragists who made powerful use of audience world-wide. banners bearing hand stitched slogans such as: "Mr. President: How Long Must Women Wait for Liberty" and — Mary Ann Johnson "More Ballots, Less Bullets." President, Chicago Women’s History Center

Today, we are experiencing a roll back of women’s rights on a national and international level. At a time when women’s bodies are under assault, when reproductive rights and justice are under siege, when the natural world is

MY ADMIRATION FOR Ginny Sykes, artist, friend, and meaningful, beautiful, and thoughtful contribution to this supporter, goes far back to 1994 when she exhibited her work important cause. in ‘Symbolic Visions’ together with Beatriz Ledesma, at Woman Made Gallery’s ﬁrst Chicago location. — Beate Minkovski Co-Founding Director, Woman Made Gallery Since those early days, she has been actively producing and exhibiting her work, served as a juror in 1999 and 2006, had a solo show in 2008, and curated art entries for the ‘Body & Brain’ group exhibition in 2013.

Ginny served on WMG’s board of directors from 2012 through 2017 and has advised the organization on a variety of important topics. I am truly honored and excited to share Ginny’s most recent artistic project, ‘100 Women: Collaborations Beyond the Veil’; a relevant and important exhibition to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage. It is long overdue to empower and celebrate women in all public places, and I am so grateful to Ginny for her GINNY SYKES’ PROJECT 100 Women: Collaborations the self need each other … The self must have the body.”1 Beyond the Veil is a powerful addition to the feminist art Sykes also believes that the body contributes knowledge to tradition of image reclamation, and art making to advance the self. Hence the pose she has chosen for her subjects; social change. With the creation of 100 Women, Sykes has one hand on the chest and one on the abdomen, signalling replaced the pervasive marble tributes to patriarchy and to us a reminder that the body holds great wells of elemental racism with monumental images exalting women’s grace and insight and intuition. power, and illustrating the joining of identity and intellect with gut and heart. Many previous wave feminist artists and contemporary makers such as Hannah Wilke, Lynda Benglis, Lorna In 1972, the artist Eleanor Antin was invited to show Simpson, Valie Export, Mickalene Thomas, Cindy Sherman, sculpture in the Whitney Annual. She exhibited her now Wangechi Mutu, and many more, have explored the disparity iconic conceptual classical sculpture CARVING: A Traditional between the imposed external portrayals of women and the Sculpture. Antin recorded, in 148 black and white truer internal self-depictions. Addressing the simplified gaze photographs, the “carving” of her body into a classical that characterizes women subjects as monotone, Sykes sees sculpture by dieting for a month. As with Ginny Sykes, Antin her subjects as multi-faceted individuals. Rejecting the “male reclaimed the classical sculptural form to upend and gaze” that objectifies women, Sykes has given agency to her repurpose it. Referring to her 2017 piece Time’s Arrow, an subjects. Although the one hundred women assumed a update of Carving 45 years later, Antin said, “The body and prescribed pose, each participant was able to project their individual “seats of knowledge”, dignity, and power. The results are stunning portraits of optimism, fortitude, innocence, pride, and solemnity. Some women engaged the camera straight on, and others gaze off, perhaps to a better future.

— Connie Tell Chair, National Committee of The Feminist Art Project Former Director, Center for Women in the Arts and Humanities, Rutgers University

1 Eleanor Antin video interview Eleanor Antin: Time's Arrow, LACMA, 2019 Introduction: These same women who brought this project to fruition, and It brings me immense joy to share this project with you. Such to whom I am so grateful, also made an offering. When they as life, 100 Women: Collaborations Beyond the Veil has stood for their photo and spoke out their story, they offered taken on many shapes since her conception. Through live community. In doing so, they ensured that when future performances in fabric, video and audio streams, and, women hear, see, read, or experience this journey, they can ultimately, storytelling through text; the core of our message know that they are not alone. and the women in these pages hold as true and as relevant as the very first time. So many of our histories, conversations, hesitations, hopes, and needs align. We hold more power when we support The genesis of this project came about to celebrate the each other in a spirit of solidarity. 100th anniversary of the suffragists, their movement, the I hope that this project raises memories and stimulates 19th amendment to the United States Constitution, and the curiosities of your own history, of your own strength. I hope work that is yet to be done. We welcomed one hundred the spirit and strength of these women will rise up next to you women to stand in unison and tell their story. It is through when you find yourself searching for community. I hope you their stories that we have begun to see patterns. We see never forget where you come from, because it is a long line what one hundred years has done to impact our collective, and incredible centuries of women that move history. the experiences we hold in common, and what we dream being a woman can mean. — Ginny Sykes History: that by creating a series of images of women that would act I began working on 100 Women in collaboration with Italian as monuments in our performance space. artist Teresa Mangiacapra, from Naples, Italy. In the interim, Teresa passed away. The project was handed Teresa was part of a feminist collaborative performance off to me, and I was motivated to take it into a new direction. group founded in 1970 by her sister, Lina, called Le Nemesiache (the nemesis). The idea behind Le Nemesiache I started by photographing twelve women in my studio, and is to propose a relationship that women can have with the turning those photographs into large scale banners — an world which differs from patriarchal standards. idea which came from the suffragists. I incorporated these Teresa and I were working on a performance project together banners into the performance I did of Collaborations Beyond entitled io sono un intero--loosely translated to mean I am the Veil in Italy in 2019 – sort of like a test run version. Whole. When it worked, I decided to develop the idea further, I was envisioning a background for us for this project, which keeping in mind that the following year, 2020, would be the consisted of holographic sculptures of women. Public 100th anniversary of a great success in the suffrage spaces have always been loaded with monuments and movement: the ratification of the 19th amendment to the historical replicas of men. If women are mentioned at all, it’s U.S. Constitution. I decided to expand the project on a allegorically, like Virtue and Chastity. Our plan was to offset parallel, by photographing one hundred women. I started by asking women in my own personal circle. that, I believe, have been disavowed by the patriarchy. The Women who were retired, women who hadn’t joined the core knowledge that women hold by nature. Intuition and gut workforce yet. I asked for women of all titles; including, but knowledge, cased near the stomach; and, of course, the not limited to, plumbers, teachers, therapists, writers, heart knows so much. Under patriarchy, I believe there has business owners, actresses, dancers, mothers, and artists. been an over-rationalization of what knowledge is, and that over-rationalization has disregarded these natural forms of I wanted a diverse group of women, but I wanted to show a knowledge as the important compasses that they are. common connection through the pose I asked them to hold and the gown I asked them to wear. It was important for me These forms of innate, intuitive understandings also unite us to build a relationship with them in the process, because it’s as women — should we allow them to — and mainly a very personal thing to be photographed, especially in this because there is no hierarchy to it. It’s an intuition we all have way. This is where I was able to learn a little more about their in common, and it’s something we’re gifted as women. I lives and their responses to the feeling the project gave wanted to push that forward. them. This project neatly combines my performance work with my The pose I chose for all the women to stand with was one joy for collaboration. I am also pleased that it has taken on a hand on the heart, and one hand on the abdomen. This pose virtual entity, because the audience can widen and vary to is an attempt to reconnect with seats of knowledge lengths that can’t be reached by only one gallery, or a singular plaza, or even one period of time. that, I believe, have been disavowed by the patriarchy. The core knowledge that women hold by nature. Intuition and gut I’m humbled that One Hundred Women: Collaborations knowledge, cased near the stomach; and, of course, the Beyond the Veil has come together in a time where so heart knows so much. Under patriarchy, I believe there has much of the world is also on the cusp of reimagination. been an over-rationalization of what knowledge is, and that Movements like Me Too, Black Lives Matter, and Times Up over-rationalization has disregarded these natural forms of reconcile with the intersectionality of our long stretched knowledge as the important compasses that they are. feminist agenda. Our solidarity speaks the loudest, and I believe real change is coming. These forms of innate, intuitive understandings also unite us as women — should we allow them to — and mainly — G.S. because there is no hierarchy to it. It’s an intuition we all have in common, and it’s something we’re gifted as women. I wanted to push that forward.

This project neatly combines my performance work with my joy for collaboration. I am also pleased that it has taken on a virtual entity, because the audience can widen and vary to lengths that can’t be reached by only one gallery, or a Gratitude: I’d like to thank the women who bravely brought forth their energy, their time, and their story, in the name of feminism and connection, so that this project could reach one hundred more women.

Dear viewers, dear readers, dear women: thank you for daring to be yourself, and all the layers you encompass. As you are, is exactly as you should be.

In a world which deems it too radical, we are ﬁghting for monuments of women just like you.

— G.S. “The true aim of female education should be, not a development of one or two, but all the faculties of the human soul, because no perfect womanhood is developed by imperfect culture.”

— Francis Ellen Watkins Harper

“If the ﬁrst woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.”

— Sojourner Truth Albertina Yu

Global citizen. Woman of many interests.

Reﬂection:

I felt strong and centered during the posing. I thought the fabric showed my vulnerability as a woman, as it was not opaque but translucent, yet the mesh provided enough coverage to conceal the frame. As a woman who is an architect/builder, the concepts of One Hundred Women have so many parallels. I thank the many women and men who struggled, and paved the way to where we are today. Because of them, I have experienced and achieved more than I ever thought I would. Amanda Maraist

I’m a movement deviser, improviser, and performer from the Texas Gulf Coast. I perform in Chicago with Khecari, and act as an operations assistant for the company. I also participate in other collaborative processes with local musicians and artists. My personal work aims to incite coincidences and accidents, irreverence, and a sense of place through authentic movement.

Reﬂection:

While the visual magnitude of the two hand placements says many things, I felt an ease of breath that I don't generally feel when in front of a camera. The gestures acted as some kind of self care. I felt very grounded, and present. Anna Tishchenko

I was 31 years old at that moment of the photograph. I am a white Ukrainian woman. I moved to Chicago from Ukraine 2 and 1/2 years ago.

Reﬂection:

Taking part in the photoshoot, and being in the image chosen for the project, made me feel feminine. Nowadays, with this rhythm of life, with stress and physical activity, we often turn into a working unit, not a person, not a woman, but just a living individual. It was useful for me to feel the feminine nature of my existence. Beatriz Ledesma

I am a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina. I’m a painter, educator, and psychotherapist, who was drawn to painting and drawing in my teen years. My interest in the practical applications of psychoanalysis and art for healing motivated me to obtain a doctoral degree, and focusing on the use of art-making in clinical treatment of adults.

Reﬂection:

I love my body. This project gave me space to reflect on it and be grateful for it, but it also gave me the space to reflect on what it has meant for me to be the woman that I am now in my 60s; to reflect on all the women that crossed my path, leaving a mark on my soul, to reflect on the power of creative energy, and nurture what we, as women all around the planet, share with each other. Bébhinn Gainer

I’m a granddaughter, daughter, cousin, sister, and friend. I love a good book, good music, and going on road trips. I was 11 years old when this picture was taken.

Reﬂection:

I wasn't sure how I would feel when I got my picture taken. I was nervous, but I loved being part of this project. I might be a photographer some day. Bleusette Randall

I was born in Chicago and live here currently. I sell real estate and absolutely love my job! Being around people makes me so happy. It’s also fun showing homes and seeing the way people live. My favorite pastime is traveling. Being in other countries and experiencing diﬀerent cultures makes me feel free. Hiking, skiing, and playing tennis are some of my hobbies.

Reﬂection:

I can’t say that I loved the pose. It looked great, but to be honest, I do not like my stomach. Holding my hand to my chest did make me feel strong. And proud. So, it was a bit of a push and pull in my mind. Bria Dolnick

I’m a 37 year old woman from Chicago, IL. The mother of two young children, I love to write and cook, teach English to immigrant adults, and I enjoy biking around the city.

Reﬂection:

Feminist liberation means acknowledging and working to dismantle all systems of oppression. It means valuing labor that often goes unacknowledged as work. Brigitte Haegdorens

Above all, I am an artist painting empowering art, and elevating the art of massage to a whole other level, just to name two. I’m exploring the art of living as a human ”being“. For this purpose, I’ve dedicated my life to the studies and practices of the wisdom of the ancient sages. Mother of four children, and a beautiful granddaughter.

Reﬂection:

One hand on my heart, the other on my abdomen, connecting both centers of energy, of intuition. A wonderful symbol of how I strive to live my life; connected with my deepest self, with others (when they, too, are in touch with their heart), and the entire cosmos. The sacred femininity in all of us, living in harmony with one another. Not ﬁghting against, but collaborating for and creating, a world we all love to live in. Together! Cathi Schwabe

Born and raised in Wisconsin, in a 130 year old stone house. I come from a family of 9 children – most comfortable using their hands. Chicago resident for 30 plus years. I adhere to the Fluxus philosophy: “The distinction between Art and Life is irrelevant.”

Reﬂection:

It was an honor to be included in this work. Women of a certain age can often feel invisible in the world, and particularly in the world of art. I chose the date to be photographed, Aug. 29th, because it was my 59th birthday. The pose, one had on my chest and one at my abdomen, was a bit startling, at ﬁrst. It meant being publicly intimate with my own body, in front of a camera, in draped ﬁnery that was unfamiliar. I posed, showing up as an open human. True liberation for women is liberation of all, regardless of one's category. Carmen M. Perez-Stoppert

Artist and supporter of other Women Artists.

Reﬂection:

When we began the photo shoot, I was out of my comfort zone. Normally, I wear black. I do not wear white, do not wear dresses, nor do I go sleeveless. I always have my glasses on and wear jewelry. It is my gear and always has been. I always want to control the way I look, how I dress, and how I want to be perceived as a woman and as an artist. I was truly challenged in the name of art. I let my guard down, felt exposed, had insecurities, and body shame. I was glad to have been pushed out of my comfort place. This was a form of feminist liberation for me. Christi Chong

Ceramic artist. Based in Los Angeles, by way of Chicago.

Reﬂection:

I associated the position of my hands with romantic ideas of femininity - being driven by emotions and the womb, and having a deep connection to our bodies and nature. Colleen Perry

I am an actress with the Black Ensemble Theater.

Reﬂection:

True beauty lies in conﬁdence, and a keen sense of self. Connie Noyes

I’m an interdisciplinary artist whose practice is immersed in mourning research. My work considers grief to be a common ground, regardless of our diﬀerences. Creative projects such as The Good Mourning Café, Love Letters to the Lost, and Breathe reﬂect my commitment to the emotional honesty needed to heal by connecting with the community in intimate and regenerative spaces, both psychological and physical.

Reﬂection:

What I remember most strongly, was that posing while facing right was completely uncomfortable. Corinne Peterson

I’m a clay sculptor and former psychotherapist. I began exploring clay in response to a dream. I continued to sculpt my dreams as part of a healing journey in Jungian analysis. I took an art and self-discovery sojourn in Sweden, exploring the landscape, which included an ancient burial cairn. This led to the Cairn Project; a series of clay workshops and cairn installations held over two and a half years, to bring the light of compassion to the darkness of trauma.

Reﬂection:

At ﬁrst, I felt awkward putting on the diaphanous clothing and taking the directed pose, as though I were pretending to be something I am not. Then, I realized that the clothing, the pose, the hand gestures, all symbolized my deepest self that I am often afraid to claim. Standing there with my hand on my chest, I considered the inherent qualities of light and love, compassion, and wisdom of my heart-mind. Cristina Barillas

I’m a plumber, mentor, sister. I am here to make your journey better than mine.

Reﬂection:

Feminist liberation, to me, is being a warrior for other women to succeed and achieve greatness. Cynthia Carter

I am a Light seeker...I seek Light and love and express Light and love through the arts in the city of Chicago and abroad. I am Mother Earth, I am a Healer, I am WombMan.

Reﬂection:

When I put on that white gown and stood in my spot in the studio, Light immediately came in...I felt like I was standing over the earth, and everything was at my feet...allowing me the power to lift mankind and shift them to the Light...for in the Light is Freedom and Unity. It was truly an Amazing spiritual experience. Cynthia Weiss

I am a studio artist, public artist, and arts educator. Previously, also the Director of Education at Marwen; a program that provides free arts courses for Chicago youth from under-resourced schools and communities. I have directed public art projects throughout Chicago by transforming neglected spaces into local landmarks, including collaborative mosaic projects in my Edgewater community.

Reﬂection:

Feminist liberation, for me, has been a call to action; both a political movement to create a new society that values all genders, and an inner courage to live a life that embodies kindness, connection, and social justice. Dede Fuentes

I live in Chicago, Illinois, where I rear a teenager, teach yoga, and try every single day to make sense of, and understand my place in, today’s political climate.

Reﬂection:

After realizing the scope of the project, I am energized and inspired by the eternal connection I now share with 100 other women. It’s visceral and accessible power. It’s SuperPower. Diana Ornelas

I am a Latina mom of two beautiful girls. I was born and raised in Chicago, and I still reside very close to it. I love the variety my city has to oﬀer. Both of my parents are from Mexico. I love to spend time with family. I believe family is the foundation and backbone of a strong, independent individual. I come from a strong knit family who can count on each other for anything, and I hope to be able to relay this to my girls.

Reﬂection:

Holding this pose highlighted a very gratifying moment in my life. Being a mom has been the most rewarding experience. I enjoyed the process because it focused and emphasized a large part of what being a woman is to me. It brought to light the idea that, even though I have become a mom, and my primary focus has slightly shifted, I am still a woman that can enjoy her own skin. Deborah Peltz

I am a 64 year old woman from Chicago, Illinois. I have worked most of my life, birthed and raised two capable and beautiful children, and now, I am taking care of myself by making art and challenging my aging body to move in as many ways as it will. Having fun!

Reﬂection:

I approached the photo session very casually, not really expecting to feel anything. But once I put the garment on, I started to feel a little vulnerable without my street clothes on. At the same time, the weight of the garment on my shoulders made me stand a little straighter. I think I took my glasses oﬀ, so I couldn’t see as clearly, but the placement of my hands on my heart and belly highlighted the generous and productive aspects of my mind and body. That, and my stature had me feeling peaceful—like a goddess. Dorothy Dee Ellen Perry

I am a Chicago-based photographer, intuitively capturing the moving emotions of love in beautiful lifestyle portraits for couples, families, and personal commissions on location. Sensitive and artistic people are a special pleasure.

Reﬂection:

The experience of being photographed in a very simple manner (dress/lighting/direction of pose) enabled me to relax and enjoy the experience, watch it with awareness, and in time, to come to embody Woman with the pose she had chosen for my portrait. The photographs and videos of the actual panels in situ, moving in the breeze, emanate an inspired elegant feminine presence that can be felt in viewing it. Eileen Solomon

I am a recently retired journalist and journalism professor, who relocated to the Chicago area from St. Louis in 2018. My 20s and 30s were about career and family. In my 40s, I moved into academia, completed my PhD, and spent 27 years teaching college. I spend a lot of my time exploring creativity through ﬁber. A lifelong knitter, I learned weaving a few years ago and am fascinated by color, texture, and design.

Reﬂection:

Posing for the portrait was surprisingly empowering. I did not expect to be moved by the experience, but I was. My gut is where I hold anxiety, and that, combined with the beating of my heart, created a feeling of hope and strength. Holding my hands to my heart and abdomen, while wearing a diaphanous gown that various women had also posed in, connected me to both myself and the other women. Elaine Bachman

I’m ninety years old. Sometimes I write, sometimes I perform. Have lived a life, still more lives to live.

Reﬂection:

A deeply moving experience. Our ages diﬀerent, our lives so diverse. And yet, as women, our stories so similar, if one looks back through the ages. Elishabath Leidy-Briggs

Born and raised in Chicago. Part of an eclectic and dynamic family. Dancer, crafter, student, educator, and world explorer. Deeply interested. Striving to create with more empathy and gratitude.

Reﬂection:

I always fancy myself as a liberated fem. I go around saying, doing, and acting as I please...mostly. Every now and again, if I am paying attention, I will catch myself holding back. And I always wonder, "Where is this coming from?" Then, I do my best to dismiss the thought, and continue on doing what is genuine for me. Who are we seeking liberation from... I feel very privileged that the only person I ﬁnd myself struggling against, is me. Is this conﬁdence, denial, empowerment, detachment...this is how I feel about it, today. Elyse Martin

I was born in Chicago and have lived there most of my life. With breaks for chasing down celebrities and enjoying disco, I’ve been immersed in art all my life. I had to get special permission to study with Gustav Likan at the (now closed) Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, since nude models were used, and I was only 12 years old. Undaunted by the nudity, I thrived. This fueled my artistic expression with a love for art supplies, as I’d spend hours at art stores with my father.

Reﬂection:

As I posed in the ethereal dress, I felt connected to all the women who posed for this exhibition. I looked back to 1969 when, as a young woman, I took part in a Women's March on Wall Street; protesting the inequities of women's rights and securing my stance as a feminist. Eva Baldinger

I am a 27 year old Chicagoan who identiﬁes as she/her. I am a musician and avid environmentalist, and I love to spend the majority of my time outdoors, working on healing our planet.

Reﬂection:

This photoshoot was very empowering for me. I felt like an ancient goddess dressed in the robe, standing with my hands on my chest and abdomen. For me, feminist liberation means a world where women are not force-fed subliminal messaging about what femininity and female sexuality looks like. Feminist liberation is the ability to move through the world without fear, and to embrace the wild woman that lives within each of us. Fartun Muhudin

Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, and raised in Albany Park. A natural socialite. I began my career by modeling for local clothing brands and contemporary photographers. Skilled in creating comforting and energetic spaces, I began coordinating galleries and pop up events for local artists and chefs alike. Currently, I’m a director of operations for Papí Pegaõ's Pop Up Kitchen, visual arts mentor for Project 6ix, and event coordinator for Poetry n' Chill.

Reﬂection:

Holding that pose brought me back to the time of my pregnancy. I felt that strange mixture of being powerful and vulnerable at the same time. Gina Marino-Kalish

I was born and raised in Mexico City, but currently live in Chicago with my husband and pup. I have a son in college who I call and text relentlessly. I studied dance from a very young age, and I love it so much that I have brought it with me through all stages of my life. I currently own a vegan restaurant that I am very passionate about and am having a lot of fun experimenting with. I am grateful to be doing everything I love with people I love.

Reﬂection:

The minute I stepped into the blue gauze, the feeling was immediate. I felt a union; a connective energy with the women who had worn this uniform before me, and with the ones still to come. I honored the Feminine that surrounded and held us during the photo shoot, and basked in gratitude. Helene Smith-Romer

Artist, collagist, curator, feminist, and full-time occupational Dadaist. I’ve spent the last 35+ years pursuing and investigating the enigma of process, of thinking and creating. My road to absurdity began as a tot, collecting bits of garbage/discarded objects (bus transfers were her favorite) alongside buildings that were adjacent to her parents’ Ma and Pa candy/toy store. This is where her journey began- looking for the poetry and enigma of life…

Reﬂection:

It was quite comfortable and natural. I relaxed and enjoyed the moment of being there...and let the process take over, losing all preconceived notions of time, or preconceived ideology of thoughts.. Hillary Miles

I was born and raised in the same Maryland county where Jim Henson grew up, and after making my way through some of the state's best public art school programs, I moved to the midwest to complete my BFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 2020 marks my 10th year as a Chicago resident, where I live with my husband and our two old dogs. I make strange little paintings of dreamy and adventurous girls, and comically pathetic, forlorn, or otherwise wayward creatures.

Reﬂection:

A hand on the heart and a hand on the belly is my favorite position for resting and meditation--it helps me stay connected to my breath and heartbeat; two grounding rhythms. Holly Ferris

Originally from Peoria, IL, I have lived in Chicago since 1992. Single, no kids, but the proud aunt of four nieces and a nephew. Love yoga, travel, dogs, NPR, podcasts, books, and probably too much bad TV:)

Reﬂection:

While I was a little self-conscious, it felt cool to be part of someone's vision. It's interesting because you have an image of yourself, but the photos reﬂect something completely diﬀerent. Holly Joy Wertman

I was raised in Los Angeles, California, right next to the ocean. After a rough few years, I am in the process of relearning who I am. My therapist told me that it might help to make lists of things I like: boba, ﬁlm photography, long conversations with strangers, disco music and dancing, French poetry, thrift shopping, patterned pants, etc. And lists of things that I am: a woman, queer, empathetic, a ﬁghter (not a victim), extroverted, a caretaker, Jewish, fun, a good friend, and daughter.

Reﬂection:

This photo was taken approximately one week after I left my abusive partner. I can’t describe how I felt at the time—like I was on a diﬀerent frequency from the rest of the world, but also like I was breathing for the ﬁrst time in four years. Indira Johnson

I’m an award-winning artist, peace activist, and educator. My work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. The inﬂuences of my mother, a social activist, and my father, an artist and a follower of the philosophy of Gandhi, have been predominant in my life and art. My belief that art and activism are a powerful combination for social change has fueled my passion to make art part of everyday life. Involving local communities in the art process is evident in all my work.

Reﬂection:

I was a little uncomfortable in the beginning, and concerned by the transparency of the fabric that enveloped me. Gradually, partly because of the project's intent and the directions given, I felt more conﬁdent in my poses and the power of the moment. Irene Ibarra

I was born in Texas and raised in Chicago. I am 19 years old and a second year college student. I will pursue a master's in social work. I look forward to helping people, and it would be nice to have the opportunity to be there for someone who needs it most. There are people out there who have lost hope, and they seem as if they have run out of options, but I am ready to equip myself so that I will be ready to help.

Reﬂection:

When I put my hand on my chest, I felt as if I was trying to protect myself. I have not yet been pregnant, but it felt as if I was almost trying to protect my body and my child from any harm before coming into this world. To me, feminist liberation means I can do what I want, equally as a man can do, and I don't have to be controlled by what men have to say to me. Jacqueline Sinclair

I’ve been a member of the Joel Hall Dancers for nearly thirty years. I’ve worked with guest artists Sarita Smith-Childs, Lisa Johnson-Willingham, Ray Mercer, Troy Powell, James Morrow, William Gill, Joel Valentin-Martinez, and Jarrett Rashad Kelly. I have traveled nationally and internationally with the company, including England and Mexico.

Reﬂection:

There is always a transcendence that occurs when a dancer puts on a costume. The costume, or mask, or hat, will breathe its life into your physical form. It seeps into your body, resulting in a change of emotion and character and this, therefore, informs the soul. In return, the soul instructs the body how to fully express with freedom and authenticity. Jackie Taylor

I’m from Chicago, Illinois. I love to produce, write, act, sing, dance, exercise, and be the boss. I identify as she and her. I also identify as an African American woman.

Reﬂection:

I loved the photo shoot. It was easy and very relaxing. The costume and pose made me feel like an ancient African Queen; a very important part of my ancestry. My associations to the concepts described in the exhibit are the boldness and honesty from which it is derived. Feminist Liberation, for me, expresses the equality of women on all levels of existence. Jamie Young

Attorney from Los Angeles. Wife and proud mom to two kids and a dog.

Reﬂection:

I was very self-conscience. Don't like to be the focus of attention. Pose did not feel natural for me. Janis Pozzi-Johnson

I am an artist, a painter, a mother of one living child and one non-living, a meditation practitioner, a survivor of great loss, a student of wonder.

Reﬂection:

Being photographed is one of my great discomforts. That all disappeared when I stood in front of the camera, wrapped in beautiful fabric, with hand on heart and belly. I felt strong, respected, beautiful. I felt connected to primal, inherent goodness. I felt liberated. Jennifer Asimow

I’m an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at the City Colleges of Chicago. I’ve been married for 27 years to Larry. We met while I was serving in the Peace Corps in Mali, West Africa. We have two adult sons, and have parented countless pets over the years. I’m dedicated to public service as a change agent for young children and their families in Chicago.

Reﬂection:

I am not sure what feminist liberation means, but I consider myself a feminist in general. I have always felt empowered as a woman. I was raised to be strong, conﬁdent, and every bit as good as everyone else in the world; men included. I felt rooted in power as I held the pose for the photographs, and loved how beautiful all of the women looked in the same pose. Jessie Smith-Larson

I currently reside in Chicago, where I’ve been working as a visual artist and brand designer for the past 22 years. One of the most incredible things about the human spirit is our ability to ﬁnd beauty, even in times of sorrow. We are all fragile machines relying on human connections to lift us from our lowest moments. Following a series of tragedies in my life, I began creating work that explores the bond that survives after a great loss.

Reﬂection:

For a ﬂeeting moment during the photoshoot, a feeling uniquely unknown to me materialized. I felt a ﬂicker of something that could have resembled being maternal. Then reality returned. I realized this feeling wasn’t real. Only what I imagined it would feel like. The idea of growing someone who will never be. Jezebel Turner

I grew up in Chicago with two sisters, and a family of strong women around me. I am most passionate about my work and my study, along with a love of the natural world and all I can explore within it.

Reﬂection:

Lucky enough to grow up in a world of strong women, I am still reminded every day of my life how I must be careful to not adhere to the whims of men. To tone down my femininity is to be seen as strong and taken seriously. In reality, being a woman is what makes me the most strong, intelligent, and successful human being I can be. Standing proudly, unafraid and unashamed of the power of the female body and soul, is an unparalleled reminder of our worth, and our unequivocal power. Joanne Gannett

I teach Art History and Visual Culture courses at Columbia College Chicago. I’m also involved in a community garden, and neighborhood projects; all of which bring me joy.

Reﬂection:

I remember being surrounded in folds of ﬂowing fabric and feeling connected to the many other women who would also be sharing this experience with me. Julia Getz

I am 22 years old. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and now living in San Francisco, California. I love being outdoors, cooking, reading, and exploring diﬀerent cities and countries.

Reﬂection:

This pose, with one hand on my chest and one on my abdomen, made me feel powerful and proud. Although these photos were taken individually, while posing for the photo, I felt part of a community of women. To me, feminist liberation means ﬁnding strength in both independence and interpersonal support through our experiences as women. Julia Sowles-Barlow

I am a visual artist with 20+ years experience helping to design, fabricate, and install large scale public art. My favorite job title is Muse. I studied at La Scuola Di Mosaico in Spilimbergo, Italia, honing my craft in the traditional methods. I’m the mother of Phoenix Rose, a job I take with the utmost fun and importance. I strive to make the world a better, more beautiful place, one tile at a time.

Reﬂection:

I have had some modelling experience in the past, so the experience wasn’t new to me. I am honored to be included in such a powerful work of art. Kara Brody

I’m based in Chicago, Illinois, working as a dance artist; teaching, moving, and collaborating on various projects. I enjoy impromptu dances with my dog, late night movies, and ﬁnding new coﬀee shops to get lost in.

Reﬂection:

It felt very familiar to be standing in this position. Covering the stomach and heart felt grounding, but also brought up images of female reproductivity, sexuality, identity. The light blue/teal cloth made me feel light, and captured a version of what beauty is thought to be. I felt powerful, like I had a purpose, but also felt delicate. It reminded me of my femininity, and the various ways femininity can be represented. Kara Jefts

I’m an artist, art historian, and archivist living in upstate New York.

Reﬂection:

When I posed for this photograph, I had a chance to reﬂect on the common bond between all women. It may sound cliché, but I think sisterhood is a critical piece to navigating the world as a woman. Without those relationships, and that understanding of one-another's position, the reality of the challenges we face would be unbearable. We are lucky in this way, for every adverse challenge we face as a woman, there is another who is there to help lift us up. Karen Kochan

I am a 32 year old young woman, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I work part time, and am a wife and mother to a 9 month old baby boy, full time. My family is my passion. I am a new mom, so just as everything is new to my baby, so is everything to me in motherhood. Raising my son and teaching him about our world is what I love to do. I also take pleasure in DIY home projects and decorating.

Reﬂection:

Being photographed holding my growing belly, in my 3rd trimester of pregnancy, was an amazing experience. I say this because there was a time when I questioned if I would ever have the opportunity to become a mother to my own biological child. In that moment, I felt thankful to be able to enjoy the experience in, what I believe, was the most beautiful I have ever looked and felt. Karen Lohss

I recently moved to Denver, after 40 years in Chicago. I work for Accenture, and am now a Mimi. I love everything about my new role as a grandmother, and my work! When I am not heads down at work or holding Leonie, I love cooking, travel, and reading.

Reﬂection:

During the photo shoot, I was impressed at how much I could feel the connection between chest (heart) and abdomen (womb). My work has been about making sure women have a seat at the leadership tables of Corporate America, and that work has been about being truly authentic to my feminine self, and tapping into all that means. Karyn Kozak

I'm from Chicago and spend several months of the year living in St. Petersburg FL. I've been a graphic designer, glassblower, ceramic artist, jewelry maker, gardener, traveller. I love to look, and to make, and to ﬁgure out how things work.

Reﬂection:

On the day of my 100 Women session, I had been working on purging some of the many books and magazines I seem to collect and often don't get to reading. It felt great to get out and dressed up in a gauzy costume, not meaningful to me, but as part of a larger project. After all, nothing has meaning except what we choose to give it. Kim Laurel

Visual artist residing in Chicago, Illinois. Personal work includes: painting, printmaking, collage, and mixed media.

Reﬂection:

In so many ways, this collaboration is a manifestation of the sea of female energy and timeless strength beyond adversity. The collaboration reminded me of a vivid dream I had many years ago. It was shortly after my marriage had ended. In the dream, I glimpsed an inﬁnite number of women, all damaged, all hurt, all betrayed, all wounded. They were of all ages, all creeds, reaching back in time. I could see so many faces ﬁlled with anger and betrayal. They went on forever. It was an epiphany. Kristen Marie-Thorpe

Single mom and heart of gold from San Diego, California, raised in Chicago.

Reﬂection:

The pose felt very natural and feminine to me; mother-like, and nurturing. It made me feel beautiful and grounded in my womanhood. Laura Molzahn

I'm a retired editor and dance critic from Minnesota. I love to dance, though it's getting harder and harder. I married, for the second time, after my husband of 25 years passed away in 1997. My daughter is now 33.

Reﬂection:

To be honest, the prescribed pose felt unnatural to me, as a woman more than 15 years after menopause. I associated it with bearing children which, for me, is very far from all it means to be a woman. Laurie Cohen

I work in ﬁnance; I hike, bike, and photograph in nature, and pursue new adventures.

Reﬂection:

While posing in the studio, my mind went blank as I settled into the moment. Leslie Arreguin

I'm the daughter of two Mexican immigrants, and I am Mexican American myself. I am currently a student who is passionate about learning. I grew up on the west side of Chicago, on the border of Austin and Humboldt Park, surrounded by predominantly African American and Hispanic people. I love reading, but more than that I love ﬁlm and cinematography. I look up to powerful and hardworking women like my mom.

Reﬂection:

As I held my hand to my chest and my hand to my stomach, I started to think of what my future held for me as a mother and as a lover. The stomach I associated with a woman's womb, and the chest I associated with my heart. Linda Silbert

I have been passionate about Pilates for over 30 years! My love of this method of exercise began while attending classes at the studio where Joseph Pilates ﬁrst taught in New York City. After two daughters and a move to Chicago, I became a certiﬁed Pilates instructor. I bring enthusiasm and experience to my Pilates clients, and an energetic spirit to my husband.

Reﬂection:

I loved holding this pose, and felt completely engaged in the process. I felt aligned with the purpose of letting women have control of their bodies and of the freedoms we deserve. Lisa Gendel

I am a 58 year old woman/mother/partner/sister/aunt/cousin/real estate broker and counselor/friend. Chicago born, Chicago raised, Chicago based, with a very clear understanding of how important it is to be a global citizen of the world.

Reﬂection:

In that brief moment, I tried to conjure up the images of all those I had seen holding a similar pose before me. I felt heard, as well as seen. I felt proud to hold that pose. I was reminded of all those who matter. Lisa Nigro

I founded the Inspiration Cafe in 1989 (now Inspiration Corporation) while on beat as a Chicago police officer. Searching for a personal response to the people I encountered, I borrowed my nephew’s red wagon, filled it with coffee and sandwiches, and pulled it around the Uptown neighborhood to offer them a little dignity and respect. The wagon grew into a van, bus, and eventually a full-service cafe, where men and women experiencing homelessness could sit down, order off a menu, and be served.

Reﬂection:

One hand on my heart and one on my belly, the two places that create change for me in this world. My work in the world has been about giving voice to those who have been silenced or devalued in our society. I do this work being led by my heart and following the signs from my gut. Lucy Slivinski

I’m a critically acclaimed sculptor and installation artist based in Chicago. I hold an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art, and a BFA from Northern Illinois University. I have utilized recycled materials in my practice for over 30 years.

Reﬂection:

Standing for those few moments with my hand on my heart and belly, wearing a robe that was unlike anything I could imagine wearing, made me feel what it was to be a classical woman. The symbol of woman and what that means. I felt power, strength, and memory ancient to the future. Makeba Kedem-DuBose

I’m a Chicago native and a multidisciplinary artist and curator, practicing throughout the greater Chicagoland area, both regionally and internationally.

Reﬂection:

I recalled the paintings of my mentor, a Jesuit priest who painted images of Black people as saints and other biblical ﬁgures. Wrapped in ﬂowing cloth, in a still, quiet moment, though he never got to paint me...I recall having a feeling of peace, and feeling like I was one of the saints portrayed in my mentors paintings of long ago. Marian Nixon

I’m an artist and designer in Chicago, IL.

Reﬂection:

Modeling has never been a consideration in my real or imagined world. It was never a goal or a dream. So, in my 58+ years, I have never stood in front of a camera in a photographer’s studio in a beautiful, ﬂowy long gown and had my photo taken. I felt so PROUD. Mariel Brunman

I’m a justice advocate in New York. I am frustrated by a lack of diversity and transparency in law and public policy, and I’m working to promote equity in bureaucratic institutions.

Reﬂection:

I remember holding one hand above my chest and one above my belly, and wondering if I looked pregnant (I'm not). On one hand, I hoped that I did not look pregnant, because of vanity spurred on by contemporary society. On the other hand, it was readily apparent to me that this awareness and subtle anxiety was self-imposed and entirely controlled by my own willingness to be victim to social convention. Feminism takes many shapes and forms. It's more about the willingness to adjust and ﬁnd comfort in strength than remaining strong all the time. Mary Davis

I was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and have lived mostly in Chicago, with stints on both coasts. I've studied and practiced my loves, art and design, as well as darker, more ﬁnancially remunerative art such as marketing and development, for art NFP's (mostly) to support myself and my family.

Reﬂection:

Wrapping myself in yards of blue polyester in the studio bathroom, my thoughts meandered about: But polyester is so ugly! Did real Caryatids have to strip and get dressed in ordinary bathrooms like this? What if my stomach looks huge and my breasts look ﬂat and ﬂoppy in the photos?

But whatever I was momentarily feeling was, in the end, subsumed into the artistic vision. Mary Joyce-Cahill

Native New Yorker, living in Chicago via Ireland. Equal rights champion with primary focus on healthcare for all, including traditional and native approaches. Adjectives that have been used to describe me: outspoken, human rights defender, a good dancer, and terrible singer.

Reﬂection:

Posing with one hand on my chest and one on my abdomen was empowering, connecting to the creativity center and heart center. Feminist liberation has so many meanings, it is part of basic human rights. This project reinforces this concept and the power of women. May Santiago

I’m a lifelong resident of Chicago, and have been active in the labor movement for over 20 years.

Reﬂection:

Misogyny dehumanizes women. Dehumanizing language is not new, and what we are seeing is that incidents like these are happening in a pattern. This is a pattern of an attitude towards women and dehumanization of others. —Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Megan Rose Philbin

Ghost story enthusiast and labyrinth walker, celebrating the divine feminine and the freedom of the open road. Massage Therapist and Doula.

Reﬂection:

In a single unfertilized egg is infinite possibility. The potential from which I sprang existed within generations of my matriarchal line. As a woman existing in 2020, I can choose to procreate and not to be defined by it. This creative potential can be manifested in my writing, my work in the world, and the way I love those around me. It is no small miracle that the children I love in the future can come to me from other family lines, other infinite possibilities. I have always wanted to foster, to adopt. We are all connected. Through time, love, and infinite possibility. Melanie Liss

I am a lifelong Chicagoan who spends most of my time teaching preschool, playing tennis, working in clay, and enjoying friends and family.

Reﬂection:

I see women’s rights as human rights. This piece speaks to the types of connections women are capable of making with other women and the common cause all sorts of women can ﬁnd with each other. Melanie Tillmanns

I read a lot when I was a kid. People would say “Get your nose out of that book” or “Come up for air.” From my Dad I’d often hear, “Turn off the light… go to sleep.” Words – the power of words is what I understood early. Writing, for me, is a way to find the words to tell a story, immerse the mind, enliven the senses. In the last few years, I’ve written many stories and stumbled into a bit of poetry. This year, I wandered into fiction. I love it all.

Reﬂection:

Serendipity, synergy. The world is small, close, surprising. Minerva Mendoza

I am 51 years old, and proudly born and raised in Oaxaca, Mexico. I love visiting my country as often as I can. I feel relaxed and enjoy spending time with my family back home in Oaxaca. I love to bake and cook, and always enjoy learning new recipes and ideas. I consider myself to be a strong and independent woman. But, I also have a soft and loving heart for people I care for and who care for me.

Reﬂection:

As I posed for this picture, I felt very proud and happy to be a woman. Women play a huge role in society, we are strong and are the pillar to most families. We are capable of doing anything we set our mind to. Miriam Socoloﬀ

I was raised by a single mom in a home immersed in art. My mother, Beatrice Socoloﬀ, was a self-taught artist. She came from a working-class family and her formal education ended in the 10th grade. Despite her struggles to support us, she painted murals on the walls of our apartments, and always had a painting in progress on her easel. Lately, I have been interested in making portraits of people with whom I have a strong emotional connection.

Reﬂection:

Posing in the shimmering, goddess-like drapery, I felt serene and powerful. I thought about my sisters in the women's liberation movement of the 1970's and felt proud that so many of us are still ﬁghting for human liberation today. I remembered the wonderful comrades I have lost: Anne Doubilet, Laurie Sucher, Barbara Pruzan, and Susan Schechter. Monica Brown

I explore memory, history, and personal mythology through visual art, sound, movement, writing, and performance. My visual art has been exhibited widely throughout Chicago, nationally and internationally.

Reﬂection:

The connection between the body, personal history, memory, and healing informs my life and work. Placing one hand on my chest and the other at my abdomen is a gesture that I use in my personal yoga practice, and as an instructional position when teaching pranayama (yogic breathwork). This placement of my hands to my body exist, for me, as heart center and womb: the seats of intuition, feminine power, and compassion. Nancy Frank-Thomas

New York City is where my roots and sense of home is, though I have lived in Chicago and discovered many wonderful and distinctly "only found in Chicago" sites, for over 20 years. My now chosen profession is working in partnership with others to connect them to their authentic self, and nurture their good feelings. Learning to be me and ﬁnd the best of me, has been a process of faith and persistence.

Reﬂection:

In stillness, I thought of my exposed, aging, womanly body that told only one truth of the aging process. I thought back to my youth, of being privileged to stand up for equality in dress codes, in protesting the Vietnam war, and standing up for the freedom to decide the future of what my body carries. This experience re-ignited my own spark, which I had long ago forgotten. Naomi Woodspring

The focus of my work is exploring the ﬁrst wave of the postwar generation, embodiment, and time. My groundbreaking work on aging takes a widely interdisciplinary approach, bringing together insights from culture, history, gerontology, demographics, and more to paint a picture of how this cohort has faced aging and its physical, mental, emotional, and social eﬀects.

Reﬂection:

As a Five Rhythms and Ecstatic dance practitioner, my gesture in the photo was one I have returned to over and over again. It is a place that feels like home - comfortable and self-embracing. Feminist liberation has been a long journey for me; one that not only includes emotional and mental shifts, but changes in my sense of embodiment. Nina Weiss

I’ve been painting and drawing the landscape for over thirty years. I travel extensively to research and document inspirational landscapes at home and abroad. I complete my large-scale landscape paintings in my Evanston studio. My large, layered compositions evoke the lush feel of landscape in deep, saturated color. My surfaces are alive with gesture and emotion.

Reﬂection:

I appreciated the opportunity to be a part of this project, to stand proud and ALMOST naked, as a "goddess”. Nora Gainer

I’m a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and friend. I believes in the power of art to transform people's perceptions. Recently, I celebrated my 10 year anniversary at the Art Institute of Chicago. I’m currently the Director of Civic Relations and Partnerships, which involves cultivating creative partnerships throughout the city of Chicago and Illinois—reinforcing the museum’s role as an integral part of the daily fabric of our city’s life.

Reﬂection:

I have always believed in reincarnation. Being captured in this ethereal moment made me think about all of life's possibilities, and random permutations.

Olivia Gann

I'm originally from Evanston, Illinois, but I've lived in Austin, San Francisco and France before moving back to Chicago last year. For work, I do mechanical design for parts that go into consumer electronics products (phones and wearables). Outside of work, I love to jog, make jewelry, do things outside, walk around neat places, pull pranks on people around me, and spend time with family/friends.

Reﬂection:

Feminist liberation, to me, means women receiving the same opportunities as men, without feeling any need to hide or quell any stereotypically feminine aspects of our physicality or mental aﬀect. This applies not only to opportunities at work, but opportunities across society at large. Pauline Kochanski

I live in Chicago. While my art ranges in scope from 2-D to 3-D, using a multitude of materials (graphite, ink, ceramic and more), my intent is constant. My work comes from the heart and the mind. The art reﬂects my place in the written past, the unknowable future, or the current moment. My meditation practice keeps me balanced. I consider myself a learner, sharer, and teacher. I live, make art, and teach art and meditation in Chicago.

Reﬂection:

Holding this pose was more than the position of my hands; with the robe, I felt like an ephemeral being. I loved the fact that I could connect with all the women of this project through wardrobe & hand positions, part of a greater relationship to women. Phoenix Sowles Barlow

I am a 13 year old visual artist and dancer. I am quite sensitive, intuitive, and kind. I am gifted in my baking skills, and prefer making delicious cakes and desserts. I have nomad aspirations. I dream of buying and renovating a bus or van one day to travel the world.

Reﬂection:

Being photographed was kind of fun. It was cool to see the set up and how it was placed. It was also cool to be a model. It was also kind of awkward because I didn't know what to do. Pinar Aral

I am a visual artist creating shapes in clay.

Reﬂection:

Standing for this project, with one hand on my heart and the other hand on my womb, made me feel powerful and connected to my own womanhood. Rachel Abramson

I am a 67-year-old woman, a mother, a nurse, a Chicagoan, and an activist for my entire adult life. I've spent my career supporting equitable healthcare and support for mothers, babies, and their families.

Reﬂection:

I attended the photo shoot with my (very pregnant) daughter. I was overwhelmed by her loveliness in the pose, and the iconic beauty of a pregnant woman's body. Sitting for the shoot myself, in the same pose, I could feel the connection to women of all ages and stages through the millennia. Rachel Getz

I am a woman. I am from Evanston, Illinois. I love to help others. I love to paint, take boxing classes, cook, spend time with my family and friends, and I love my work. I am a social justice warrior.

Reﬂection:

I felt strength and power as a woman, posing with one hand on my chest and one at my abdomen. I felt connected to other strong women. Rebecca Williams

I am 45 years old, and I live in Texas with my husband and two sons. I have experienced amazing love and smiles in my life, and I have a goal to keep growing and seeking authentic happiness in all my days to come.

Reﬂection:

I am a mom of two boys, who spends her days responding and reacting to the needs of my family before my own. To have the opportunity to pause and be nothing more than me, but be seen for all the power and beauty encompassed in my womanhood, was a gift. The gown was weightless and the light ethereal, and my spirit glowed at the opportunity to partake in such an amazing celebration of womanhood. Robin DaSilva

I am a singer-songwriter, actress, educator, and advocate for the arts. I have performed in many theatrical productions throughout the Chicagoland area. I am a choral director and vocal arranger as well. I believe that the arts can be used as a pathway to reach at-risk youth and heal the world!

Reﬂection:

I thought that the hand over the chest is for protection of the heart, and the other hand over the abdomen symbolizes how in our daily lives, women bear enormous blows to our womanhood. Still and yet, we stand tall! Ruby Barnes

I am an artist based in Chicago. I create works of art using dyes, bleach, silk screen inks, and assorted fabrics that address spirituality and sacred geometry.

Reﬂection:

The position we were asked to hold was like a special mudra; whose power was to help us remember our sacredness as feminine beings on the planet at this time, and our role in the evolution of our species, no less. Sandy Roth

I was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, and was fortunate to have parents that instilled in me that women are strong, smart, and equal to any man. After living in various cities for college, graduate school, law school, and work, my husband of forty years, our four children and I have made Chicago, Illinois our home; for over 20 years. What is most special to me as a woman, is that I have been fortunate to experience life as a daughter, sister, wife, and mother.

Reﬂection:

The session was particularly special for me, because I was able to share the experience with my sister and a close friend. I am so proud to be a part of an exhibition honoring women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Sarah Rose Sykes-Goldsmith

I was born and raised in Chicago. Some of my early childhood years were spent in Italy and traveling internationally with my family. My professional work focuses on health and wellness, cannabis education, and enhancing joy. I am a devotional wife, passionate friend, empath, advocate, and entrepreneur. I am fascinated with spirituality and the human experience, as well as concepts of the Divine Masculine-Feminine, and the Universal.

Reﬂection:

Posing for the photographs felt intimate, and also like there was an energy with us that was much bigger than the space. Immersive. As I embodied the pose, I thought of goddess associations to help me feel like myself while responding to and participating in the photographic experience. Sarah Seidler

I am a 62 year old psychotherapist, and in many ways, this has deﬁned me for the past 37 years. I was fortunate to marry a husband with two children, and was able to participate in raising young children. This allowed me to expand my understanding of relationships and development as a diﬀerent kind of participant. My love of animals has also evolved into a romance with all of nature, which has been extremely rewarding as I get older. I am not an artist, but my love of art and my artist friends are part of who I am. I love natural light, plants, and art.

Reﬂection:

It was an unfamiliar experience for me, to be in a costume posing in a way where I wasn't just smiling into a camera. I tried to feel light and airy and spiritual, but was unable to get mundane thoughts out of my mind. Sayaka Shiokawa

I am from Japan. I live in Chicago with my husband. I love to eat, read, and listen to music. I love animals, especially dogs. My dream is to travel all over the world after retirement.

Reﬂection:

I felt solemn and strong when I held one hand on the chest and one hand on the abdomen in the drapery costume. I’ve never posed for artistic purposes before, but I felt so good. Unfortunately, Japan is far behind in terms of feminism and gender diversity. Many of us are still suﬀering from many unspoken rules. All human beings should have the rights to decide how they live and what they choose, I believe. Sharon Bladholm

My work has been profoundly inﬂuenced by participation as an artist, on scientiﬁc expeditions to remote and biologically diverse ecosystems of the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon, and on expeditions with the Field Museum, Conservation International, and Andes to Amazon Biodiversity Program. I have long explored the interfaces of art, science, conservation, and nature in numerous series of artworks, and in diverse mediums including glass, bronze and ceramic, as well as works on paper.

Reﬂection:

I felt strong, beautiful and powerful wearing the gown, and I loved hearing about this important and timely project. May it travel far and wide, waving in the wind, and weaving a spell. Sharon Gilmore

I’m an Evanston based artist. My experiences as a nurse profoundly inﬂuenced my artistic life. In the early 1970's, I volunteered as a public health nurse in the altiplano of Peru. During these two years, I witnessed many sacred ceremonies, and learned about symbols incorporated into weavings and pottery. It was in Peru that I started making art. I’m continuously drawn to cultures vastly diﬀerent from my own.

Reﬂection:

My image hangs in succession with all women, from way, way back to beyond the horizon. Women residing above to those deep below. In succession, women forming the Great River that I am part of, as the River that I am. Simone Turner

I am from Uptown, Chicago. I am a student at University of Michigan getting my degree in the School of Information. I love reading, exploring the outdoors, studying politics, and running outside. I aspire to work in the technology world in order to make it a place that is more socially conscious and that produces technology that will better our world. Social justice should be at the forefront of technology, and that is the work I would like to do with my life.

Reﬂection:

I felt uniﬁed with the others in the project, as we all were told to do the same position. I did the photo shoot with my twin, which made it a more beautiful experience. To me, feminist liberation means teaching each new generation of young women that they matter and are powerful. Sloane Silbert

I was raised in a family where health, wellness, and fitness were emphasized (my father is a Chiropractor/Nutritionist and my mother is a Certified Pilates Instructor.) My personal commitment and drive for fitness began because of an injury. I broke my femur when I was 10 years old, which required 3 surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. I began to run, and ran through High School and College on the Cross Country and Track teams. I now bring that passion to Pilates.

Reﬂection:

I felt feminine and powerful as I held that pose. I was holding all the women in the world, and I felt completely connected to the purpose. Suzanne Rosencrans

A native New Yorker, I've now been living in Los Angeles for longer than I lived back east. Family is extremely important to me. I'm fortunate that my parents now live on the West Coast, and my daughter has moved back to Los Angeles after college to teach public school. My husband and I are both attorneys, and, late in our careers, ﬁnd ourselves enjoying our work more than ever; which is a pleasant surprise. Outside of work, I try to give back to our city through volunteering with various non-proﬁts. I (to quote my family) often embark on "self-improvement" projects, such as learning Spanish online, and recently becoming a Bat Mitzvah.

Reﬂection:

I believe there's something very special about the sisterhood of women, and the emotions and experiences we share. Teresa Tafolla

My name is Teresa Tafolla. I am from Michoacan, Mexico. I am 42 years old. I am a housekeeper. I have three children.

Reﬂection:

When I was asked about taking these pictures, I felt glad to be thought of. When the day came, I wanted to run away! But when I looked at the camera, I felt like a model. Teri Rabai

Born Sopron, Hungary. Have lived in many places, but now I call Chicago my home.

Reﬂection:

The day of the photo shoot felt hot and humid, sweaty — thinking of the breeze. Terri Drews

I am a female, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, social worker, community member, traveler, learner, beach bum, and I live in Evanston, Illinois, United States. I love to read, travel, swim, practice yoga, meditate, dance, cook, garden, hike, ski, and spend time in Hawaii. I am most proud of my three adult daughters, and love engaging with them as a friend and mentor, admiring them as they evolve into strong, courageous, and interesting young women.

Reﬂection:

Feminist liberation, to me, means to be free to be myself; free of judgment and criticism, to notice and follow my intuition, and be true to my own spirit. Terry Zheutlin

I am a 69 year old retired physician from Chicago. After a fulﬁlling career, I am enjoying this new phase of my life. People always ask me what I do with my “free time”, and I tell them that I don’t know. I just know I am busy all the time.

Reﬂection:

I came of age during the Women’s Liberation Movement, and I became a cardiologist when women were just entering the ﬁeld. I experienced the challenges of a woman learning to balance her professional and personal life. I believe that 40 years later, women in that role still face the same challenges. Still, for me, (despite the demands) I loved what I did. I felt I was contributing to society and, hopefully, had a positive impact on both my family and the patients that I treated. Thea Rose Bessie Tabatowski

I am from Zanesville, Ohio. I am a licensed Esthetician (skin care). I love performing facials, waxes, and body treatments on my clients to make them feel more beautiful in their own skin. I identify as an extraordinary young women, who is learning about herself and her conﬁdence. I love myself, and I love to make others feel the same way.

Reﬂection:

Holding the pose with my hand on my chest and the other on my abdomen was very empowering, in many ways. It could mean fertility; “the strongest women become the strongest mothers”. It could mean starting to feel beautiful in your own skin for the ﬁrst time. I believe there are many diﬀerent meanings to the pose. Ursula Moreno-Vanderlaan

I am a 29 year old woman who has sold shoes, run university administrations, and written code for a living. I would like to help shape tech legislation to be ﬂexible and comprehensive for a set of tools that is rapidly evolving to encompass human enterprise. At heart, I am a maker of things.

Reﬂection:

To me, feminist liberation means freeing up the concept of womanhood. There is no way to be, or any thing to do, that makes me a woman. I feel no self-consciousness about my gender, but I am aware of how my womanhood impacts perception of my personhood. Being able to freely move in the world and express my full self without my gender impacting that perception, would be a tremendous boon; and one which is absent for every person today. Xochitl Barra

I am a young 40+ year old mother of 3, all in their 20's, born and raised in Chicago. I love to step out of my comfort zone and defeat the public idea of being recognized as a minority in multiple spectrums. I am a wife to a husband who allows me to break barriers, challenges me to take leaps and bounds, and supports me in my independence of being my own person.

Reﬂection:

The pose of one hand on my chest ignites a sense of security; I do not have to prove anything to anyone "take it or leave it". One hand on my abdomen aﬃrms that I have the ability to conceive another human being into this world; I can give birth to a boy or a girl without judgment to their sex, nor future judgement to their abilities as a person. Yolanda Trejo

I’m from a small town in Minnesota called Hastings. I moved to Chicago almost 14 years ago to do hair. I worked at a salon for almost 10 years before opening my current business called YO:U, a hair studio, art gallery, and creative space. I have a 10-year-old pitbull named Jackson that I completely adore. In my free time I love to travel, do yoga, read, and explore creative outlets.

Reﬂection:

Women’s liberation, to me, means being secure with who we are, why we are, and how we want to be, while still maintaining the beauty and magic that is women. We hold a light/cosmic energy that separates us from the man. And that’s not to say men are worse, or less than. But I think it’s important to celebrate the diﬀerences. We birth the population, we hold the power. We wear the crown, and we raise the world.

Ginny Sykes in her Chicago studio, ca. 2020. Photo by Dorothy Perry. Ginny Sykes is an interdisciplinary artist. 100 Women: Germany; Saltillo Contemporary, Saltillo, Mexico; Pinacoteca Collaborations Beyond the Veil combines her passions for Communale de Arte Contemporanea, Gaeta, Italy; and Can feminist culture and women’s histories, as told through a Gelabert Casal de Cultura, Mallorca, Spain. photographic and performative lens. Her work resists prescriptive and institutional classiﬁcations of a universalized female Sykes taught for ten years at the School of the Art Institute of experience by using symbol and myth to critique patriarchal Chicago. Over 40 of Sykes’s works are publicly displayed, codes that have occupied and over-determined artistic content including On the Wings of Water at O’Hare International Airport, through much of history. Sykes employs a poetic, layered, and and Rora at Erie Terrace on the Chicago River, which received an visceral aesthetic across the genres of her practice to suggest an honor award from the American Society of Landscape Architects. alternative approach. She believes the transforming and healing potential of art can invite new cultural, emotional, and Sykes holds an MA in Women Studies and Gender Studies psychological understandings. from Loyola University, Chicago, IL, and a BFA from Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri. She studied Recent selected exhibitions include Art Performing Festival, painting and art history for three years at Studio Cecil Graves Naples, Italy and Forte Marghera, Venice, Italy; Dryphoto Arte in Florence, Italy. Contemporanea, Prato, Italy; Water Tower Art Festival, Soifa, Bulgaria; LACE, Los Angeles, CA; Loyola University Art Museum Sykes divides her working life between Chicago, Illinois and Chicago, IL; top Schillerpalais, Berlin, Naples, Italy.

All photos courtesy of Ginny Sykes

Photo editing: Patrick Linehan Catalogue design: Taylor Imel Cover design: Ruby Barnes

Special thanks to:

Chicago Women's History Center

Photo credits on cover page, from left to right Artegiro Residency, Conzano, Italy Dryphoto Arte Contemporanea, Prato, Italy

Top row: Cynthia Carter, Makeba Kedem-DuBose, Britten Manufacturing Yolanda Trejo, Bria Dolnick, Phoenix Sowles Barlow Middle row: May Santiago, Corinne Peterson, Eva Baldinger Bottom row: Fartun Muhudin, Teri Rabai © 2020 Ginny Sykes All rights reserved