Language

The Darners

Since 2007, Olivia Gay has been photographing women involved in manual labour: in this project she chose the lace factories of Calais and Caudry.
An entire industrial revolution lies between Vermeer’s portrayal of domestic activity in The Lacemaker and the collective photographic works of Olivia Gay; this transformation had a profound effect on the socioeconomic role of women, and with it, how they were subsequently portrayed in picture.
In Olivia Gay’s photographs, the masterful use of light on the figures - reminiscent of the works of the Dutch master - their gestures, postures and expressions bring the working bodies to life. Her portraits are a juxtaposition of grace and detachment, heroism and distress – as if combining the artistic representations of the Maestà and the Pietà – and echoing the paintings of the Virgin Mary in the Western world’s portrayal of the sacred female figure. An enigmatic icon becomes sociological representation, almost as a mark of respect.
(taken from Nathalie Giraudeau’s essay)