Women and their cities

Between 2016 and 2019, Swiss artist Catherine Gfeller embarked on a journey to a number of Chinese cities, weaving a narrative as she engaged with the stories of women from different backgrounds.

Her vision of the women, the challenges they confront, and their distinctive spirit are the focal points of the artist's subsequent explorations.

In the bustling streets of Guangzhou, Guangdong province, Hong Kong, Beijing and Kunming in Yunnan province, Gfeller found a means of exploring the essence of these urban landscapes by focusing her lens on women.

On Saturday, the Swiss embassy in Beijing unveiled a solo exhibition of the work that resulted, which spotlights the perspectives and voices of women. Through her lens, Gfeller skillfully establishes a dialogue and builds a bridge between the narratives of the women and the vibrancy of the cities they inhabit. Passing the Cities through the Lens of Women displays some of the 30 results, including photographs, texts, and videos.

For Gfeller, women's voices are very important in modern Chinese society. During shooting, she learned how the women perceive the new ways of life and how they find an anchor in their cities.

"The moment I pressed the shutter, I felt like I became part of the city," Gfeller says.

Ambassador of Switzerland to China Jurg Burri said at the opening ceremony, "Ms Gfeller cares very much about people, especially women in cities. Women's issues are a global topic and I hope that more women's voices will be heard."

The exhibition is open to the public until the end of March.

The 58-year-old artist is known for her focus on landscape photography. Using techniques like montage, collage, and superimposition, she creates unique photographic artworks.