raging
by Sarah Oglesby and Grace Wilkinson
Raging! is a photography project that sticks two fingers up to women+ being seen and not heard. This vibrant, punchy and ironic commentary on societal expectation establishes a space where women+ can be loud, outrageous and angry about the things that affect us on a daily basis. Women+ like they’ve never been seen before, or maybe they have but they were just ‘hormonal’.
Why? When’s the last time you got angry and let the world hear it? We have been expected to take the crap, grin and bear it for too long. We are frustrated, and that’s ok. Raging! explores real 21st century experiences of femininity; here, anger is welcome in every form.Like messiness and perfectionism spent a steamy night together in a well li studio.
Our Community: The development of our first project has allowed us to build a community where difference is embraced and emotion is power. We are so grateful for their openness, support, honesty and beauty as it has allowed us to create this heartfelt tribute to the women+ that we are, thewomen+ that came before us and the ones that will come after.
The Symptom Box - Little time and money is spent researching female health. So why not try your luck in the symptom box? Up for grabs tonight is a swift silencing with antidepressants. The lack of research and dismissiveness regarding side effects of birth control, menopausal symptoms and health problems in general often result in a reluctance to go to the doctor. Our friends become our soundboards and better medical advice will probably be obtained from your local psychic. Hair & Makeup Kinga Dwornik. Styling Amelia Brownhill
Still got it - How old are you? 25, says the lady with grey hair and a walking frame. Whilst the body clock ticks, self worth and attractiveness sell by dates quickly slip through the hands of time, the shadow of a woman approaching their next birthday is enough to have anyone googling ‘cheap botox near me’. The measure of value through youth is a toxic relationship we should’ve ditched years ago. About the model - Janet is a musician and Palestinian activist who builds communities and campaigns for change through music and the advocacy for peace. Her work is colourful, powerful, and breaks the mould. We want to be like Janet when we grow up. Hair & Makeup Kinga Dwornik
Wo-man band - What do feminists do in their spare time? Sharpen their kitchen knives preparing to bring an end to the male population. Contrary to my ex boyfriend’s beliefs, the only thing that feminism seeks to end are outdated gender roles and the idea that women come out of the womb knowing how to make a decent pie. Whether you're a 21st century housewife, matriarch, pay bills, a single mum, student, run an empire, all of the above or even just get out of bed in the morning, you’re doing great. About the model - As the first in her family to go to university, Bradfordian Katie continues to fight for her place in every room they said that she didn’t belong in. Founding Bloomin’ Buds theatre company 10 years ago allowed her to create a space where working class communities are valued, heard and supported. She is an advocate for access to the arts as well as women+ in business and has gained national recognition for her contribution to these fields. Hair Rachel Dee. Styling Amelia Brownhill. Makeup Olivia Teasedale
Detached - Her voice. Her words. Her story. Hear it from the artist’s composed spoken word piece responding to her rage. About the model - Akira is a singer/songwriter/producer finding her feet in the music industry. She is an audio technician by trade and works with many Leeds based artists and bands. Her music is sad, her vibes are not - she believes in creative outlets as a healthy way to express and experience negative emotions and hopes to work in music therapy once her tech days are over.
I bet it’s a woman driving - “Why are women bad drivers, dad?” asked the girl. “Because they have no hard skills, are indecisive, shouldn’t be allowed behind the wheel” said the man in a fit of rage. So, she handed in her passenger princess badge and decided to learn anyway. The stereotype derives from the threat to masculinity that automobiles posed in allowing females to be independent. (Burger, 1986) About the model - Marie is a model, visual artist and painter. Her work represents the ambiguity of the world we live in today, trapped between the present and past. Marie’s essence represents the archaic nature of gendered expectation despite its prominent place in modern society. Marie therefore teaches us that the best thing to do is stick up a finger and do what you like.
Reflection - To be feminine isn’t and never has been restricted to gender and that is the beauty of it. Through style and fashion, we craft an outward portrayal of our inner selves, defining the reflection we wish to share with the world. Yet, this empowering expression carries the weight of vulnerability and the pursuit of authenticity. Outdated are the unattainable, unrealistic standards that once confined womanhood to narrow moulds. About the model - Blake Leslie/ Twiggy is a drag artist who is committed to leading a truly authentic life. They are a strong advocate for Mental Health Awareness, Trans Rights and the BLM movement. We were grateful to be invited into Twiggy’s home to gain a glimpse at drag behind the curtain, as well as getting to meet their two lovely cats.
Finished? - The female experience has always come second place in the race for pleasure. Romance films, the media and pornography have consistently reinforced the ideal that the male experience comes first, leaving women+ bored and tired. Our bodies are complex and beautiful and should be treated with the same respect. We are not vehicles for one sided pleasure. From the model - “My grandma always said that she’d rather have treacle sponge and custard. I never understood what that meant until I ‘became a woman’. Advocating for ourselves doesn’t come naturally but if it's rubbish… playstation controller, in circles.” - Grace Daniel is a journalist passionate about current affairs and world issues. We are hugely grateful for his willingness to support our vision. Despite his lack of theatrical training, he is really good at pretending to be asleep.
Wobbly bits - Feminine bodies go through extreme trauma and change in appearance throughout the cycle of our lives, from weight gain, to c-section/ trauma scars and stretch marks. Many feel they have to hide these due to unrealistic beauty standards. This image stands to celebrate the female body in its unedited form aiming to provoke an awe for its magic. About the model - Karen proudly models her C-Sectioned stomach as well as her HRT patch that helps to manage her menopause symptoms. She advocates for body confidence and menopausal openness. “I may have wobbly bits but it’s part of my story, my daughters story. The patch is where I’m at now and I will always champion doing what is best for my mind and my body.”
My Blood Runs Red - My blood runs red and it’s all over my best knickers. The first advertisement for period products with blood that was actually red aired as recently as 2017. Taboos around the presentation of feminine intimacy relating to periods and shaving are again linked to societal expectations of body image firmly rooted within the male gaze. This image aims to challenge these taboos and showcase that upkeeping these unrealistic standards is nothing but overwhelming.
Getting on with it - To succeed in the workplace, a woman must master balance. The balance of expectations to ‘just get on with it’ when in pain, having a balanced family life, having a hot flush, being stern but not too harsh, powerful but not dominating and looking good whilst doing so. This image aims to showcase that these expectations are impossible to uphold without losing your s*it when the printer runs out of ink. About the model - Notorious for looking at the rule book written by a dead white man, ripping out the pages and turning it into ornate origami laced with untold histories and beauty, we look up to her.