“Jo Spence: A Woman’s Place?”, an exhibition spotlighting the ground-breaking phototherapy work of the celebrated British photographer and feminist Jo Spence (1934–1992), provides an intimate and powerful look at Spence’s exploration of the roles and experiences of women within society.
Jo Spence was not just a photographer but a cultural critic and activist who used her medium as a tool for emotional and political self-exploration. A central aspect of this exhibition focuses on Spence’s practice of phototherapy, developed primarily with collaborator Rosy Martin. Spence’s phototherapeutic sessions combined photography with therapeutic practices, allowing her to confront the deeply personal and often painful aspects of her life in a social context that sought to marginalise and silence women’s experiences. The exhibition shines a light on Spence’s engagement with the complexities of womanhood, class, sexuality, and health, addressing themes often left unspoken.
Spence’s work in “A Woman’s Place?” showcases her lifelong exploration of the idea that the personal is political. It gives viewers a rare opportunity to engage with her deeply introspective yet socially critical perspectives. Her ability to draw attention to private moments – such as grappling with the shame of illness, body image, motherhood and sexuality – resonates profoundly today as we continue to question the roles women are expected to play in both the private and public spheres.
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