152 x 101 cm | 59 x 39 in
Subject: People
Tags:
Camera,
Glass,
Girl,
Figure,
Flying,
Dress
Original photograph in colour on aluminium.
My photographic practice explores the intricate dynamic of gender within society, aiming to address the unacknowledged limitations that women face in the workplace and in society as a whole. By shining a studio light on this glaring inequality, my work seeks to empower women while sparking conversation as well as subconscious reflection.
I use a fine art, surrealist style within my work, which allows me to address gender discrimination in a less confrontational manner. Through this dreamlike, ethereal aesthetic I create a sense of otherworldliness which is less accusing than a literal depiction of the glass ceiling reality. I want to draw attention these issues without resorting to pity and instead highlight the strength and resilience that women have when navigating the workplace highlighting their determination in the face of adversity. Despite some progress over the last few years, women earn 14.9% less than men and occupy just 30% of management roles in the UK.
Inspired by the powerful message of Caroline Criado-Perez’s book 'Invisible Women’, my recent work demonstrates that this bias is often unseen but yet has profound effects. I reflect the invisible nature of this bias by using partially seen materials as a visual metaphor – as soon as contact is made with the material it creates shadows which represent the obstacles and limitations that women face in their careers.
By normalising discussions about gender and making them a part of everyday discourse, I believe that my images can help people address even subconscious biases and lead to a more equitable society.
delivered to your door from £50.00
Eleanor Whitbread creates experimental photographs to explore issues such as gender, the glass ceiling and the inescapable barriers that limit women in society. She represents this glass ceiling and these invisible yet omnipresent barriers for women by shooting through a translucent screen that enhances shadows and blurs details. She is greatly inspired by the book Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez which exposes the gender bias that affects women daily though is often hidden.