Jenny has been a photographer since 1982 with her work being published in a variety of international magazines such as Marie Claire and Guardian Weekend. Aside from this she has done substantial work for charities in America, the Middle East, Africa and Sout East Asia.
Jenny’s latest photo story is called Women and War which was shortlisted for the John Kobal book award. It compiles 20 years worth of photos from from countries were affected by war such as El Salvador, Afghanistan and Columbia. It is a photograpbic record of what happens to women during war and after it finishes.
It follows 10 thematic chapters:
– Mothers
– Living in violence
– Exile
– Bearing of arms
– Continuation of daily life
– Role of caring and mediation
– Opportunities afforded to women
– Damage to bodies and mind
– Solitude of widowhood
– Life after war
Each image has an entry which gives the story behind it.
Other photostories include : Growing up in Africa; Afghanistan – Training Midwives; East Ending – On the Street East London; Lebanon- Summer Storm; Syrians Exiled in Jordan.
The reason I like Matthews’ photography is because she shows all sides of war for women, not just the bravery of those taking part in it to defend lives, but those who look after children, nurse the wounded and the consequences of war on those women affected. Whether by divorce or the grief of losing family. Her perspective through the camera focuses on the strength of these women and their ability to deal with the horrors of war. Her use of grey scale on the photos allows the viewers focus to remain on the subject instead of the colours and their surroundings.
Evaluation of “Women and War”
— Matthews uses black and white in all of her photos. This helps keep focus on the main subject as there are no bright colours to detract attention from the women.
— However, with some of the African culture she photographs having the picture in colour would help create a stark contrast between the bleakness of the suffering and war orientated situations and the brightness of the clothes and culture surrounding them.
— With the women facing the camera, it conveys a trust in the photographer but also a sense of normalcy from the subjects in the activities they are doing. Despite these activities including carrying arms and using them.
— The gentle intrusion into the grief of mother who has lost a son draws the viewer in, even though her face cannot be seen. Matthews captured the posture of sadness which expresses more to the viewer as it can be seen she has respected the ways of the women as opposed to trying to catch her expression.
— There is also a huge contrast between the pictures of grief and those of women learning. This allows the story to flow as it goes from war time, to that of grief and then the rebuilding of a town or country through education of all willing to take it, the elderly and women included. This is particularly powerful as in many third world countries such as those in Matthews pictures, women are not allowed to go to school or could not afford to, and the elderly never had the opportunity.
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