Rachel Vogeleisen

Tell us about your art.

My art is something new. It took me a long time to call myself an artist. Through my photography practice, I have evolved and realized that art would help me express my voice. I have always struggled with words. I’m an introvert and hate small talk, but things open up when I use photography as an artistic expression.

I have a few ongoing projects that are polarised around the same themes. Finding your voice, being yourself, embracing who you are with not a care in the world. Through my artwork, I want to help women get out of their shells, encourage them to use their voices and celebrate who they are.

My first fine art project is called the Women in Quiet Rebellion. It was triggered by attending an exhibition at the National Gallery in London about the work of Artemisia Gentileschi, one of my favorite painters. I was fascinated by the resilience of Artemisia, who had to find her way as a woman and a painter at the time of the Renaissance in Italy. I wanted to start a photography project on how women hardly had a voice during the Renaissance; they were supposed to be seen but not heard. I have evolved this project across to Edwardian times, and I plan to continue until women are finally allowed a voice.

Another evolving project I’m working on is the joyful journey, where women celebrate starting a new across a European city. All these projects make me feel elated as I align entirely with my voice and message when creating these images.

I grew up in the 1970s and felt the difference in opportunity between men and women. From a young age, I had this urge to fight for my rights, helping women find their way and rights. All my work has a strong feminist message.

What can you tell us about love?

Love is a compelling feeling. It transforms you into a superhuman; we can achieve anything beyond beliefs with Love. It’s the most beautiful feeling in the world.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I’m a rebel and love women who were trailblazers and braved conventions. I grew up in the 1970s and felt the difference in opportunity between men and women. From a young age, I had this urge to fight for my rights, helping women find their way and rights—all my work has a strong feminist message.

I love women artists like Artemisia, Camille Claudel, Frida Khalo, Sally Mann, and more. I love how their art expresses themselves. I love Baroque and Renaissance styles—a mix of feminine and boldness.

I love wandering Museums to find inspiration. Films also inspire me; I love the movie In the Mood For Love, where every scene is about sensuality and a beautiful photograph. From a young age, I had this urge to fight for my rights, helping women find their way and rights—all my work as a strong feminist.