Paradox of Womanhood

Lina Czerny -        In the photo series paradox of womanhood I captured the female body with its tenderness and beauty. The photos focus on women’s energy, strength and the mutual encouragement. Showing skin and showing your body does not mean to be sexually available. The female body is graceful, soft, and powerful at the same time - it should be celebrated for existing rather than being judged. Women often compete against each other and comparing themselves and their bodies instead of supporting each other. The photos are meant to emphasize that women should empower each other instead of competing against each other - after all, they can be even stronger together. The women depicted in the photos are friends. They met about 7 years ago in a refugee shelter where Johanna was working at the time. Since then Johanna helped Comfort in her daily life in Germany and what started with solidarity work ended in friendship. Johanna even supported her during the birth of her second child. With Comfort's life experience and what she has been through, it is a mystery to me how this woman still manages to be so joyous about life. Every time I see the two of them together, I see their special bond and how truly grateful Comfort is.