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International Women’s Day (8th March) is almost here. And while it’s been recognised for over a century, each year hits a little differently. Depending on the time of day, the context of the conversation and – well, who’s asking – you’re likely to get an array of responses about what it means to women and gender diverse people throughout our community.
Suzanne Phoenix has managed to capture the complex, intersectional and evolving responses to this question over the last twelve years. In a photographic series called, ‘What Does International Women’s Day Mean To Me?’ Phoenix poses the same question to each person before pairing their response with a photographic portrait.
Meaning, twelve years in the making for Suzanne Phoenix.
The 12th edition of the project features 23 of Melbourne’s most inspiring women and gender-diverse artists, musicians, burlesque and queer performers, DJ’s, actors, drag kings – even a pro-wrestler.
This year, the project will be exhibited in-person at the Brunswick Ballroom and in a soft-cover zine-style publication (available for pre-order), launched with a live event on International Women’s Day. The evening will feature performances by some of those included in this year’s series, including: Jess Hitchcock, Rebecca Barnard, Ruby Jones, Madeline Leman, Penny Ikinger, Simone Page Jones, Alana Wilson, Deb Lord, Milo Hartill, Whisky Falls and Vixsin.
“Being a part of IWD 2022 was such a privilege and an honour. What Suzanne does to shine a light on female identifying and non-binary creatives is a beautiful thing.”
An historic addition
If you’re unable to attend Suzanne Phoenix's launch event and exhibition, but still want to take home this year’s photo series, we’re stocking a handful of 2023 copies plus back-issues in-store for a limited time.
“Being a part of IWD2022 was empowering for me, as it supported me in landing into the second half of my life, at 50. Seeing myself as I am, surrounded by other women that I respect, gave me perspective on my value as an older woman. The feedback I received, from posting Suzanne's portrait on my social media, was reinforcing. It also made me accept that I don't need to be anything more or anything other than what I am today.”
Suzanne Phoenix captures people and places through events, live music and performance; documenting street and daily life. And in 2021, Suzanne was shortlisted in a number of National industry awards including the National Photographic Portrait Prize and the Martin Kantor Portrait Prize.‘What Does International Women’s Day Mean To Me?’ is a self-funded project that welcomes contributions to assist with the longevity of the series.
Order a copy of the 2023 publication:
https://suzannephoenix.com/store/p/iwd-2023-zine
Book a ticket to the launch event on Wednesday 8 March:
https://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/iwd-2023/148832
Make a contribution to support the project:
https://suzannephoenix.com/store/p/iwd2023-contribution
Visit Suzanne Phoenix's website to learn more about the series:
https://suzannephoenix.com/iwd
Follow Suzanne Phoenix on Instagram