Ponch Hawkes | 500 strong

MAPh is currently seeking expressions of interest for the touring exhibition 500 strong. In 2018 curator and arts consultant Jane Scott approached the celebrated Melbourne artist Ponch Hawkes to embark on an epic project: photographing 500 Victorian women over the age of 50. Across a dozen photoshoots, over 500 volunteer participants modelled nude in celebration of the diversity and reality of older women’s bodies. It became 500 strong. Photoshoot weekends were organised in Melbourne at Hawkes’s studio and at the regional galleries of Shepparton, Horsham and Geelong. Hawkes staged her final photoshoot at MAPh in early June 2024. Across a weekend, women participated in the photoshoot with their personal props, sharing stories and finding connection. It is evident that the 500 strong project facilitates diverse conversations around women’s health, while exploring vulnerability and strength, courage and acceptance. It has been well documented that representations of women in the media and across all art forms help shape cultural norms and attitudes around gender and gender equality. Older women have higher rates of poverty and housing instability. Cultural diversity, disability and Aboriginality exacerbate inequalities. 500 strong takes an innovative approach to gender equity by directly confronting the dual disadvantages of being over 50 and female. Supporting more diverse, realistic and positive representations of women at all ages can diminish the power of idealised and unrealistic depictions of women that contribute to poor body image, reduced quality of life and low self-esteem. 500 strong questions the restrictive gender norms imposed on older women and challenges gender inequalities, across all settings and life stages. Hawkes and Scott have created new collaborations and networks between arts organisations, artists and community groups. These connections expand opportunities for creative-industry practitioners to amplify voices around social policy issues of gender equity and older women’s health and wellbeing, lasting well beyond an exhibition schedule. This exhibition presents all 500 portraits, celebrating the many contributions that have brought the project to its culmination. Curator | Jane Scott The project team would like to thank and acknowledge Professor Martha Hickey and its principal partners, Creative Victoria and the Royal Women’s Hospital, along with its supporters Bowness Family Foundation and University of Melbourne. Ponch Hawkes would also like to acknowledge the support of City of Melbourne.