Ihr Browser ist veraltet. Bitte aktualiseren Sie auf Edge, Chrome, Firefox.
Fotostiftung Schweiz
Fotostiftung Schweiz
Grüzenstrasse 45
8400 Winterthur
+41 52 234 10 30
Marie Ottomann-Rothacher, Zahmer Star, 1950er-Jahre © Marie Ottomann- Rothacher / Fotostiftung Schweiz

Female. Focus. Photo Archives.

Fotostiftung Schweiz
25.10.2025–15.02.2026
Back

For a long time, the history of Swiss photography was mainly conveyed from a male perspective. Of the approximately 160 archives at Fotostiftung Schweiz, only 26 can be attributed to female photographers. These archives are as diverse as the women behind them – and the stories of their lives: While the oeuvres of many female photographers appear fragmented due to breaks in their careers, others stand out for their consistency and solidity. Even though some female photographers did manage to establish themselves in the male-dominated profession, they often received little recognition, remaining overshadowed by their male colleagues, mentors and husbands. A number of women had the privilege of pursuing photography as a leisure activity without economic pressure, demonstrating technical skill while creating powerful images that bear witness to their times. As amateurs though, they too were left on the margins by those writing the history of Swiss photography.

In this exhibition, a collective of female curators from Fotostiftung Schweiz focuses on seven archives from 1900 to 1970. Female. Focus. Photo Archives. examines the peculiarities and commonalities of these archives, shedding light on hurdles and experiences specific to female photography. How did prevailing role models, economic structures, social obligations and family duties shape their work? How are these influences reflected in their archives? And how can gaps in the archives and collections at Fotostiftung Schweiz be addressed?

With photographs by Margrit Aschwanden, Hedy Bumbacher, Gertrud Dübi-Müller, Anita Niesz, Marie Ottoman-Rothacher, Anny Wild-Siber and Leni Willimann-Thöni.
Guided Tours and Workshops