Winterthur, Switzerland – A new exhibition opening this month at the Fotostiftung Schweiz is shining a light on a largely overlooked chapter of Swiss photographic history: the work of women photographers between 1900, and 1970. Titled “Female. Focus. Photo Archives,” the show and a series of accompanying events aim to address the historical imbalance in recognition, revealing the diverse experiences and often-challenging circumstances faced by female artists during that period. The exhibition, running from February 28, 2026, to June 14, 2026, comes at a time of increasing scrutiny of gender representation within the arts and cultural heritage.
For decades, the narrative of Swiss photography has been dominated by male perspectives. According to the Fotostiftung Schweiz, of the approximately 160 archives held by the foundation – which manages collections on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Culture – only 26 are attributed to female photographers. This disparity isn’t simply a matter of numbers; it reflects systemic barriers and societal expectations that often relegated women’s work to the margins. The exhibition explores how careers were interrupted, recognition was limited, and even technical contributions were often undervalued.
Recovering Lost Voices
The exhibition focuses on seven archives, offering a glimpse into the lives and work of photographers like Leni Willimann-Thöni, Gertrud Dübi-Müller, Marie Ottomann-Rothacher, Margrit Aschwanden, Hedy Bumbacher, and Anita Niesz. The Fotostiftung Schweiz notes that these women’s stories are as varied as their photographic styles, ranging from professional careers to those who pursued photography as a leisure activity. Even those who achieved some level of success often found themselves overshadowed by their male counterparts, mentors, or husbands.
A key theme of the exhibition is the impact of life circumstances on artistic output. Many women photographers faced the challenge of balancing their creative pursuits with family responsibilities, leading to gaps in their professional trajectories. The exhibition aims to contextualize these breaks, recognizing them not as failures but as reflections of the realities of the time. This exploration of the intersection between personal life and artistic practice is a central focus of several planned events.
A Series of Guided Tours and Discussions
The Fotostiftung Schweiz has organized a robust program of events to accompany the exhibition, beginning with a vernissage on February 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. On Sunday, March 8, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day, curators Madleina Deplazes, Michèle Dick, Teresa Gruber, and Katharina Rippstein will lead a guided tour of the exhibition, offering insights into the archival work and the stories behind the photographs. The tour begins at 1 p.m. And lasts one hour.
Further guided tours are scheduled throughout the spring and early summer. On Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 1 p.m., curator Madleina Deplazes will lead a tour focusing on “Careers and Children – Archives as a Reflection of the Life Realities of Female Photographers.” A conversation with Verena Aschwanden, niece of photographer Margrit Aschwanden and former head of Foto Aschwanden, is planned for Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 1 p.m., led by curator Michèle Dick. Aschwanden’s family business operated in Switzerland from 1933-1945.
Exploring Wider Themes
The program extends beyond individual artist spotlights to address broader issues within the field of photography. On Friday, May 8, 2026, from 2 p.m. To 5 p.m., a series of lectures and a roundtable discussion will explore the theme of “(Un-)Visibility – Perspectives on Working with Women’s Archives.” Participants include Dr. Natalie Dimic, a photohistorian and curator; Dr. Lina Gafner, director of the Gosteli Archive; and Dr. Bettina Richter, a curator at the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich.
Additional tours are scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026 (Pfingstsonntag) at 1 p.m., focusing on Gertrud Dübi-Müller and Marie Ottomann-Rothacher, led by curator Katharina Rippstein, and Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 1 p.m., led by curator Teresa Gruber, exploring the paths to photography taken by amateur photographers, students, and artists trained in crafts.
Preserving a Legacy
The Fotostiftung Schweiz, founded in 1971, plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting photographic heritage in Switzerland. The foundation manages around 100 archives, and its work is supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Culture. The “Female. Focus. Photo Archives” exhibition represents a significant step towards rectifying historical omissions and ensuring that the contributions of women photographers are fully recognized and appreciated. Admission to the exhibition is CHF 14 (reduced rate CHF 12), and the guided tours are free, though space is limited and registration at the ticket office is required at least 30 minutes before the tour begins.
The Fotostiftung Schweiz is located at Grüzenstrasse 45, 8400 Winterthur, and is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. To 6 p.m., and Wednesday from 11 a.m. To 8 p.m. The exhibition continues to build momentum as it approaches its next scheduled event, the discussion with Verena Aschwanden on April 12th, offering further insight into the lives and legacies of these often-forgotten artists.
Share your thoughts on this important exhibition and the rediscovery of these Swiss photographers in the comments below.
