Mayor Walsh launches photography exhibition in City Hall in honor of Women's History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today joined the Office of Arts & Culture and the Office of Women’s Advancement in launching Lift/Women PowerLifters. This art display will feature the exhibition by photographer Liane Brandon in The Mayor’s Gallery on the fifth floor at Boston City Hall.

“In celebration of Women’s History Month, it is with great pride that I welcome these portraits to be displayed in City Hall,” said Mayor Marty Walsh. “These portraits represent the strength and resilience women have shown, even in times of great defeat and hardship, and I encourage everyone to remember the struggle women continue to face as we continue to work to make sure our City is one of equity and inclusiveness across all Boston neighborhoods.”

The exhibition will be on display March 1 – March 31, 2015. LIFT is a series of photographs celebrating four women powerlifters – women who defy physical and cultural stereotypes.  They range in age from 27 to 60 and have all won regional, national or world competitions.

Lodrina, a forensic computer expert, weighs 123 pounds and can lift 385 pounds. She recently placed first in national competition. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in kinesthesiology.  Candace is a mother, the lead singer in a band, and a national titleholder. Jane, the oldest, is a grandmother who went to Wellesley College.  She holds four world records. Brandon has created astounding images that convey the physical nature of the sport while evoking the spirit of these women.

“I have always been concerned with the disconnect between public perception, media portrayal and reality — especially in the characterization of women,” Brandon said. “While my still photography has covered a wide range of subjects, the lingering issue of media stereotypes and women has never been far from my mind. The challenge for me as a documentary photographer is to create images that both convey the physical nature of the sport and evoke the spirit of these women.  While they are quite literally strong, I also see their physical strength as a metaphor for all the qualities I respect in women who have made a total commitment to any endeavor: courage, conviction, dedication, and perseverance.”