During the past decade, a group of pioneering female photojournalists has been telling powerful global stories with their thought provoking photographs. These visual authors are the focus of a temporary exhibit at The Orlando Museum of Art, Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment.
The show includes over 100 photographs from 11 photographers. The photographs cover a variety of topics ranging from research on the contemporary teen brain to people living in remote regions of Asia.
Photographer, Kitra Cahana’s photo of a teen girl having her tongue pierced from the National Geographic story titled, “Beautiful Teenage Brains”, published in October 2011. This photo stood out because it was not a scene from a far away place but a setting in a modern American town. The label describes a girl being “dragged” along by a friend to have an “adventure”of getting their tongues pierced. Most teenagers can relate to this story because they have a friend who likes to do crazy things.
Photographers, Diane Cook and Len Jenshel’s photo of a green rooftop garden on top of Chicago’s City Hall building is an absolute standout in the exhibition. The contrast between the greenery of the garden and the modern urban cityscape around it is stunning. It looks surreal and the photo is captivating. This photo was used in National Geographic’s story, “Up on the Roof”, in May 2009.
Another photograph by Diane Cook and Len Jenshel that stood out was a natural arch of rock over a turquoise sea in Kauai, Hawaii. This image was beautiful because of the many hues of blue in the ocean in contrast to the heavy textured rock.
Photographer, Stephanie Sinclaire’s photo of a female lieutenant from an all female counter terrorism unit in Sanaa, Yemen walking through the women’s barracks. This photo stood out because the women’s camouflage clothing and dark headscarf set off the bright pink walls and curtains of the women’s barracks. There is a sense of empowerment while looking at this photo because the woman, dressed in camouflage, looked so strong and feminine at the same time.
Photographer, Beverly Joubert’s photo of a leopard covered by plants, where the leopard’s eyes are the main focus.This photo is stunning because the eyes are in focus and the center of interest, which makes you notice all the different colors in it’s eyes.
Overall the show was inspiring, moving and interesting. Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment will be on display at the Orlando Museum of Art through April 24, admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and teens ages 4-17.