Exhibition: 500 strong – Ponch Hawkes

‘In 2018 curator and arts professional Jane Scott approached Ponch Hawkes to embark on an epic project to photograph 500 Victorian women over the age of fifty. Across a dozen photo shoots, over 500 volunteer participants modelled nude in celebration of the diversity and reality of older women’s bodies. Photoshoot weekends were organised in Melbourne at Ponch’s studio and at the regional galleries of Shepparton, Horsham and Geelong.

Hawkes staged her final photoshoot at MAPh in early June 2024, photographing the last group of women to comprise the full 500. Across a weekend, women participated in the photoshoot with their personal props, sharing stories and finding connection. The 500 strong project has proven to facilitate conversations that shine a light on women’s health while exploring vulnerability and strength, courage and acceptance.

This exhibition at MAPh will present all 500 portraits, celebrating the many contributions that have brought the project to its culmination’. MAPh website

Museum of Australian Photography. Wheelers Hill. 23 November 2024 – 26 February 2025