The world of women in photography is having the lens turned back on itself this year at The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), which is set to unveil a landmark exhibition, “Women Photographers 1900–1975: A Legacy of Light,” opening on 28 November 2025.
This major show celebrates the profound impact of more than 70 influential women artists who shaped the course of photography during a transformative 75-year period. It offers a rare opportunity to see the world through their eyes, showcasing their innovation, resilience, and unique artistic visions.
Explore the story behind Olive Cotton’s iconic photograph, “Teacup Ballet,” on the Art Gallery of NSW website.
The exhibition is a treasure trove of photographic history, featuring over 300 rare prints, postcards, photobooks, and magazines drawn from the NGV Collection. For art lovers and history enthusiasts, it is an unmissable event, with over 170 recently acquired works and more than 130 pieces on public display for the very first time. You will discover how these artists captured and challenged the world around them, from Melbourne to Tokyo, leaving an indelible legacy of light.
A Global Lens on a Changing World
“Women Photographers 1900–1975” is a journey through diverse photographic styles and social histories. The exhibition spans genres from intimate portraiture and groundbreaking photojournalism to evocative landscape photography and experimental avant-garde imagery. These works are not just pictures; they are historical documents that reflect the significant social, political, and cultural upheavals of the twentieth century.
The collection reveals how these artists used their cameras as tools for commentary and change. You will see historic images from the suffrage movement, which fought for women’s right to vote, and powerful visuals from the women’s liberation movements of the 1960s and 70s. The exhibition highlights the rich, international networks of exchange and support that connected these women, creating a global community of creativity and shared ideas.
Spotlighting Pioneers and Hidden Figures
While the exhibition showcases celebrated figures of photography, it also brings long-overdue attention to lesser-known but equally important artists. Featured names include Berenice Abbott, Lola Álvarez Bravo, Imogen Cunningham, and Francesca Woodman, among many others.
This remarkable collection has been made possible through a strategic focus on celebrating the contributions of women artists within the NGV Photography department. The NGV extends its gratitude to the generous support of donors, including the Bowness Family Foundation, Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family, Professor Wang Gungwu, and Joy Anderson, whose contributions have enabled the acquisition of many of the new works on display.
Key Highlights of the Exhibition
Several standout pieces provide a glimpse into the depth and diversity of the works on show. Each tells a unique story about the artist and her time.
Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother
Instantly recognisable, Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California, 1936, is a powerful symbol of the Great Depression. Commissioned by the US government’s Farm Security Administration, Lange documented the plight of working-class families. This poignant portrait of Florence Owens Thompson, her face etched with anxiety, became an enduring icon of resilience in the face of hardship.
Discover the history and impact of Dorothea Lange’s “Migrant Mother” on Wikipedia.
Dora Maar’s Intimate Portraits
The exhibition features an outstanding selection of photographs by Dora Maar, a sophisticated artist deeply embedded in the Parisian avant-garde. Her work includes fashion photography, social documentary, and compelling portraiture. On display are her candid studio images of Pablo Picasso from 1935-36, taken during their romantic involvement. In these portraits, Maar turns her gaze upon the famous artist, offering a rare, private glimpse into their domestic life.
Olive Cotton’s Teacup Ballet
A celebrated work of Australian modernism, Olive Cotton’s Teacup ballet, 1935, is a masterful study of light, shadow, and form. Cotton, then a studio assistant for photographer Max Dupain, arranged a set of inexpensive teacups to create a striking composition. The elongated shadows and elegant forms transform everyday objects into a “ballet-like” performance, showcasing her incredible eye for design.
Ilse Bing, the ‘Queen of Leica’
German-born Ilse Bing earned the title ‘Queen of Leica’ for her masterful use of the small, handheld camera. This technology allowed her to shoot from dramatic angles and create dynamic compositions of light and shadow. The exhibition features her iconic Self-portrait, 1931, where she captures her own reflection alongside her camera in an angled mirror, demonstrating the central role of the camera in defining her artistic identity.
Ponch Hawkes and 1970s Melbourne
The vibrant, activist spirit of inner-city Melbourne in the 1970s is brought to life through the lens of Ponch Hawkes. Her photographs document life in communal houses, urban graffiti demanding social change, and the energy of Gay Pride Week celebrations. These images offer a firsthand look into a period of profound social transformation, captured with an honest and intimate perspective.
Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore’s Radical Self-Expression
The exhibition also features the artist’s book Aveux non Avenus, 1930, by creative and life partners Lucy Schwob and Suzanne Malherbe, better known as Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore. Through experimental photomontages and ‘essay-poems’, this work radically questions the constraints of gender and identity. Featuring androgynous self-portraits of Cahun, the book stands as a powerful testament to their pioneering exploration of self-expression and sexuality.
An Invitation to Discover
“Women Photographers 1900–1975: A Legacy of Light” is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of the artists who saw the world differently and had the courage to capture it. It is an invitation to explore a pivotal era in art history through their distinct and powerful perspectives.
Don’t miss the chance to experience this extraordinary collection.
Visit “Women Photographers 1900–1975: A Legacy of Light” at NGV International, opening on 28 November 2025.
Learn more about the “Women Photographers 1900–1975: A Legacy of Light” exhibition on the NGV official website.