Arms & The Woman

A powerful exhibition of photographs which explores the dramatic impact of war on the lives of ordinary women

1st October - 11th December 1998

Arms & The Woman is a powerful exhibition of photographs which explores the dramatic impact of war on the lives of ordinary women. Organised in association with Oxfam, as part of their Cut Conflict Campaign, the exhibition showcases the work of Jenny Matthews, who has photographed major conflicts around the world for over sixteen years.

This extraordinary collection of images, recording women's experiences in wars around the world, from Afghanistan to Uganda, illustrates how conflict affects women's lives. The exhibition highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of women and explores the transformation of their roles when faced with extreme and continued violence. The photographs capture women fighting; negotiating; suffering; fleeing; and campaigning for peace, while documenting how Oxfam helps women to survive and rebuild their lives.

Jenny Matthews has worked as a film maker and freelance photographer since 1983. Her work has been featured on Channel 4 and exhibited at the ICA, she has travelled all over the world photographing ordinary people caught up in conflict. She is a member of Network Photographers.