The Monash Gallery of Art travelling exhibition, Photography Meets Feminism, is on display at Flinders University City Gallery until 19 November.

The works of Australian women photographers from the 1970s-80s detail the period of the late twentieth century when feminists utilised the highly informative medium of photography to raise awareness of critical social issues.

The photographic artists embraced feminist themes as a means to sharpen their engagement with contemporary life at a time when photography was only just gaining art-world respectability.

This productive exchange between feminism and photography fostered a range of technical innovations and critical frameworks that radically transformed the direction of visual culture in Australia.

Flinders University Art Museum Director Fiona Salmon notes that the University has long been committed to the inclusion and support of feminist thought and theory since the pioneering introduction of its Women’s Studies course in 1973.

“Through the presentation of this show we are delighted to offer a fresh angle on the history and need for women’s liberation and activism and a chance to reflect on the role of women in the past and present,” says Ms Salmon.

This exhibition features works by Micky Allan, Pat Brassington, Virginia Coventry, Sandy Edwards, Anne Ferran, Sue Ford, Christine Godden, Helen Grace, Janina Green, Fiona Hall, Ponch Hawkes, Carol Jerrems, Merryle Johnson, Ruth Maddison, Julie Rrap and Robyn Stacey.

Flinders University Art Museum has scheduled this exhibition to coincide with the inaugural Feminism Renewal Art Network (FRAN) Festival, which celebrates the enormous contributions made by women to the Australian art landscape.

For more information go to the Flinders University Art Museum website.