WOMXN. More than a muze

8 March 2023, 11.00 - 25 May 2025, 17.00

Where women in museums are often the subject of an artwork as a muse, the project WOMXN. is actually about giving women control. How do they see themselves? How do they want to be portrayed? What is relevant in their eyes?

For the project WOMXN. Sebiha Öztaş invited 23 women who were selected for the strength they radiate and their social contribution to the city of Rotterdam. The title refers to the more inclusive spelling of 'women'; which also includes people who identify as women.

You might wonder if it is necessary to focus exclusively on women. After all, women are visible everywhere: they work in various roles, and they are represented in magazines and the media. However, when we take a closer look, we see that the percentage of women who create art or are photographers in museums is significantly smaller than that of their male counterparts. Often, women are the objects of the artist. Beautiful women are used to sell products, fashion, or to emphasize the beauty ideal. Of course, it is an honor to look beautiful in a photo and to be someone's muse, but women are much more than that!

In this project, women have been given control over how they want to be portrayed, how they wish to express themselves, and what inspires them. After all, who determines what is relevant? For this inspiration, the participants selected a photo from Gallery of Honour of Dutch Photography. The result showcases a beautiful diversity of unique women.

Sebiha Öztaş

Sebiha Öztaş is a creative, open-minded individual who uses her photographic skills to convey social and documentary photography in an engaging manner. Born in the Oude Westen neighborhood of Rotterdam, her philosophy of "all people are one" was shaped by the multicultural character of her community. Her passion for photography, which led to a flourishing professional career, began in her youth. At thirteen, she was given her first camera and never let it go. Her aunt Zehra, an avid photographer, was her great role model. This extensive experience fuels Sebiha Öztaş's perfectionism and drive as a photographer.

WOMXN. WOMXN. was initiated by Handan Aydın in collaboration with Sebiha Öztaş. The exhibition is part of the project "Van ons allemaal, voor ons allemaal" ("From all of us, for all of us"), in which the Nederlands Fotomuseum explores ways to collaborate with various groups. This project was made possible by Fonds 21.