The ANU Museum Has Opened an Exhibition Dedicated to Jewish Women Photographers

The ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv has opened the exhibition "20+20 — Her Own Lens," which showcases the personal histories and works of 20 pioneering Jewish female photographers and 20 prominent contemporary female photographers.

According to the exhibition organizers, "during the formative years of photography, women, who were excluded from other established art forms, became pioneers in this field. Amid a turbulent period of political, social, and technological upheaval, these talented photographers documented both the monumental and the tragic events of their era.

However, the golden age of women in photography did not last long. Following the Second World War, the field became male-dominated, leading to the obscurity of many pioneering female figures. ‘20+20 — Her Own Lens’ aims to rectify this historical oversight, finally recognizing the significant contribution of women to the history of photography."

EAJC Director General Dr. Chaim Ben Yakov emphasized the Jewish dimension of the exhibition and its significance for the preservation of Jewish cultural and historical heritage:

"The exhibition ‘20+20. Her Own Lens’ is a major artistic event, an act of historical justice, and a milestone of cultural memory. These photographs amplify the voices of female artists whose legacy was obscured by the tragedies of the 20th century, while simultaneously showcasing the vitality of their contemporary successors: the expressions on those faces are truly remarkable. At times, they resembled the nearly lost photographs of my own grandmothers. I would particularly like to highlight the intergenerational dialogue that emerges between these pioneers of photography and their creative successors, the female photo artists of today. This stands as testament to how memory, inspiration, and artistic vision can transcend decades, bridging historical divides. For the Jewish people, who have endured exile, warfare, and attempts at annihilation, this serves as an artistic medium to explore our identity through creativity, resilience, and continuity. I express my profound gratitude to the ANU Museum of the Jewish People and the curators of the exhibition for this powerful and inspiring initiative."

The EAJC underscores the importance of initiatives addressing the history of Israel and Jewish communities, regarding the preservation of cultural and historical heritage as one of its primary missions.

Image: ANU