Chelsea Bradway:
Be a Lady They Said
ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION
Bradway’s photographs capture unique images of female empowerment in a challenging age. Women of different ages and races were invited by the artist to bring important personal objects into her studio and to pose for black and white portraits in a stark, simplified environment. The monochromatic, bare setting sets off the joy and confidence radiated by the subjects, and their diversity of strength, power, and presence. Explore the full exhibition of work below.
Go behind the scenes and see candid shots from this exhibition.
Public reception: Sunday, September 19, 3:00-5:00 PM.
ARTIST STATEMENT
The word “Empowerment” is defined as the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights. Empowered women are essential to the health and social development of families, communities and countries. When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential. Empowering girls helps secure their future and our shared prospects for economic growth, political stability and social transformation.
“All women are a force to be reckoned with.” This phrase came to mind after I read the poem by Camille Rainville, “Be a Lady They Said."
My portraits of these women were created in a safe space accompanied by their choice of music and easy conversation. In this environment, women were allowed to present their authentic selves, and to express through their faces and bodies how they felt: free to project their own force, strength, vulnerability, curiosity, whatever they were feeling about their place in the world. No matter what their occupation, race, age, or sexual orientation. As Ms. Rainville’s poem illustrates, women often hear from others how to act, what to wear and even how to think. They’re signaled in many ways, some explicit and some coded, that they need to look feminine but not too sexy, and be confident, but not too assertive or threatening.
My act as the artist is to gather the individual power of each of the subjects into a collective voice, and build their power through diversity. When silence is broken around the modern struggle between women’s personal and professional identities, both subject and observer can reclaim some of themselves from fear, and stand up for what they believe in.
This exhibition is my way to say that the female voices are whispering, speaking, and shouting through these photographs, we will not be quiet.
- Chelsea Bradway, artist
VISIT
Our exhibitions at The Hanover Theatre now have regular gallery hours, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Visitors to the Franklin Square Salon are required to reserve free tickets in advance. All visitors to The Hanover Theatre are required to wear masks or face coverings, and must present either proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to be granted access. More information about The Hanover Theatre's public safety protocols are available at www.thehanovertheatre.org.
See this solo exhibition in The Hanover's beautiful Franklin Square Salon, and then walk over for our gallery hours beginning at noon. See what's on view in our main galleries.
Parking is available at the Worcester Public Library (McGrath) Lot, Federal Plaza Garage, Worcester Common Garage, and Pearl-Elm Garage. Metered street parking is also available.
EXPLORE THE EXHIBITION
AMY G.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
My reason for doing the shoot was to embrace what I love about being a woman - dressing up in a ball gown, jewelry and make-up - while challenging gender stereotypes and demonstrating that women can and should take up space and wear whatever they want. It's not practical to do all the things we do in heels after all!
sarah a.k.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
I did this shoot together with my friend after feeling in a rut during the pandemic. I wanted to explore what it was like to be unapologetically me. To take up space, life is boring when you tone it down for others. I feel like a modern-day take on a renaissance painting in this piece.
sarah r.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
I’ve heard people say women shouldn’t lift heavy weights. I wanted to participate in this shoot to show that a muscular body isn’t a “manly” body. We should be proud of any mental and physical commitment we give to ourselves. Women are beautiful and strong in many shapes and sizes, not just one.
Becca E. and Sophia K.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
I wanted to do this shoot to capture the connection between student and teacher. Being a teacher is the most rewarding job in the world and I can only hope that my students will remember me the way I remember my own kindergarten teacher.
TigerLily and Her Mama, Angie the Mermaid
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
I did the empowerment shoot because I love my daughter and my sisters and their daughters! I love myself and I love being a woman!
Dr. Yvonne Spicer, Mayor, City of Framingham
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
The photoshoot was very empowering, depicting strong leadership undergirded by my joyful spirit. Perhaps even dismantles the myth of what a leader of the city should look like and that makes me smile.
Tania T., Yardley T., And Vayda T.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
I choose to do the empowerment shoot with my girls as mimes taking off their makeup to represent them to speak up, not be afraid and not to hide behind a mask.
lucy g.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
Lucy wanted an opportunity to wear a red ball gown.
Elizabeth F. And Evangeline L.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
We are really thrilled to be part of your vision. I am going for the obvious quote but I think it sums it up nicely. "Here’s to strong women may we know them. May we be them. May we raise them."
Maria V., Sophia V., And Sienna V.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
As a mom of twin girls, one of my primary goals is to raise them to be strong confident women. The shoot seemed like an opportunity to let their rockin’ personalities shine.
taylor b.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
Even after I signed up for this mini photo shoot, I was nervous. Mid-pandemic, I had packed on a few pounds, I have never gotten professional photos taken besides school pictures… the list of why I was nervous went on and on. The second I walked into the studio, I was immediately comfortable. I had more fun in that shoot than I would have ever thought! The future is female!
lisa p.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
I wanted to honor and celebrate the strength and power God has given me and empowerment.
rebecca m.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
I wanted to have my picture taken by Chelsea because I admire her creativity and her drive. To have my photo included in her series is the epitome of the phrase— behind every successful woman is a supportive group of other successful women
claire m.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
I initially was interested in the women’s empowerment shoot for some fun professional photos of my daughter and I. Once we arrived I saw my little girl slowly climb out of her shell and embrace the opportunity to authentically laugh and smile and twirl, it all perfectly came together. Raising a strong, beautiful, kind human and capturing her spirit on camera is the best gift a mother could ask for.
erin k.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
This photoshoot gave me strength to show my true-self as a woman farrier.
Breaking through gender-based challenges by showing other females they have the power to be anything they want to be!
It doesn’t matter who you choose to be, be empowered to do your best no matter what!
maggie v.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
Especially with Covid I haven’t been able to go anywhere so it was the perfect opportunity to dress up and feel confident. I don’t think I would feel comfortable in front of a camera but it turned out to be so fun and it made me feel great!
sarah a.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
I loved the idea of celebrating women and accepting them as they are. And that it felt like being a part of a collective energy that together we are stronger.
Because the photographer is a badass unicorn. And I would do anything for her.
denise r.
photograph (archival matte print), 16" X 20", 2021, $275
The reason I did this is to remind myself, regardless of my Health issues and the new look that I am sporting, I am still beautiful, courageous, fun, infectious & happy.
Psalm 139:14. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.