Progress through Cohesion

Lara Heltmann‘s pittura oscura is dedicated to the theme of „women“. She emphasizes their cohesion, which has paid off over generations, as well as the importance of empowering women to overcome current and future challenges. In the background, in black and white, she flashes the past as the basis of all that comes after. So-called suffragettes can be seen who took to the streets together at the beginning of the 20th century to demand equal rights, especially universal women‘s suffrage. Her second focus is on today. To this end, Lara selected everyday heroines, interviewed and photographed them. The photos were digitally processed, the women were outlined in color and the image was rounded off with catchwords and symbols for empowerment (flower, stars, spirals). Younger and older women of different backgrounds, with different socio-cultural experiences were included. Many issues that were relevant back then are still relevant today, the women interviewed said. As examples, they mention domestic violence, (power) abuse, sexism and discrimination, issues of health and safety at work. They share the experience that women can only achieve improvements together. Finally, she looks to the future: With glitter and confetti, Lara celebrates in advance the positive development that can only succeed including women. She installs her picture on a stone wall and photographs it. She refrains from any further editing. Clear edge on each side. The people on earth, our countries and societies are facing almost unsolvable tasks. Tasks for which the concentrated competence of our humanity is needed. Centuries of male domination have brought the world to this point. Now the foundations of existence are threatened. It needs the equal participation of women on all levels to solve the problems. The clear edge in each case upwards, downwards and all sides makes clear: Women are therefore - if one does not want to give the lie to the work almost provocatively kitschy overlaid with glitter and confetti by Lara Heltmann - obliged to stand together and to demand their possibilities and rights. Only men and women meeting at eye level can jointly master the challenges ahead.