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work of the month

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The Women, 1992-94
Gwen Akin (American, b. 1950) and Allan Ludwig (American, b. 1933)
Gelatin-silver print
Anonymous Gift

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WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Below is a list of questions the Museum posed to our visitors, both in the Gallery and on-line. Highlights from the collected responses are posted here. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us.

• What questions arise for you as you view this work?
• I wonder who these people are. Each portrait is interesting and even hypnotic in its own way. I wonder how they were selected for this display.
• Wonder who you are?
• What compelled the artist to produce this work? Who are these women? And, What is the artist trying to portray?
• Are all these people famous?
  
• What do you enjoy most about the work?
• When I first walked into the room, it was very overwhelming (in a wonderful way). My pulse quickened, and it was as if I had just stepped up on stage in front of a crowd.
• That it was different and in black and white.
• The magnitude of the collection. Stops you and demands that you look.
• I love being in the midst of all these souls - no matter who they were they are equal and all have a story. I feel like I'm a part of the "scene" and am with kindred spirits.
• The simplicity in the mass - just a face but in a sea of others. The appreciation of the beauty of all women.
• Collage of beautiful faces.
  
• What do you dislike about this work?
• Can't think of anything.
• There is a man hiding in it.
• Nothing I think it has many profound meanings for each person to take in their own perspective.
• Names aren't listed anywhere
  
• Is there a story in this work for you? If so, what is the story you see in the work?
• Yes. Every photograph has its own narrative quality, its own "personality." As a whole, I feel the series is like a timeline of women.
• I found it funny that the only really interesting and lasting faces had many wrinkles - something women are always fighting.
• Women are beautiful so alike and so different.
• That women have a beauty-timeless through the ages, and not bound by age, class, or wealthƒ.it's inspiring and fabulous.
• Someone looking and wondering about future, others worrying about fears, some just glamorous.
  
• What do you think this work means or says?
• The work communicates to me the wonderful mysterious uniqueness of the essence of "femaleness."
• It says the feelings of all women - a 7th grader.
• That we recognize more people than we know.
• Peace, seeing eyes of survivors and eyes of determination.
• Hopes, dreams, wishes, anxiety of women throughout time.
  
• What aspects of the work are you most curious about, and what answers would you like to have about those aspects of the work?
• I am curious to know more about the artist who put this display together. I also would like to know about the original photographers.
• What is the artist's fascination with faces? What do the artists think of their work?
  
• Further Comments
• This is one of the most moving and compelling photography exhibits I have ever seen. Wow.
• Beauty is dependant on how you see yourself.
• It was fun to figure out who was who! I loved it!! - Carley, age 10, 5th grader
• Outstanding collection. One of my favorites in the museum. I can relate, and enjoy looking at each sister's face. Gave me some ideas to do a family grouping.
• It's fascinating and wonderful. I loved it!
• It's fascinating and fun to figure who are in the photographs. Unique!
• Beautiful exhibits and wonderful pictures throughout the entire museum.
• Wow! Somewhat haunting in its effect as I moved from one wall to the next. I was very glad to see the inclusion of women of color!