New Moons

PHOTOGRAPHY

Sep 9

Photographer Ada Marino’s powerful series New Moons explores feminine resilience and rebirth against oppressive societal structures. Her work challenges patriarchal norms and advocates for a new, inclusive identity for women, addressing contemporary struggles with a vision of empowerment and transformation.

Photography Ada Marino

“How do girls and women constitute their experienced world through their movement and orientation in places? What are some of the feelings of ambivalence, pleasure, power, shame, objectification, and solidarity that women have about bodies, their shape, flows, and capacities? (I. Marion,1991)

New Moons is a powerful continuation of the artist's exploration of gender dynamics. This series was created amid the rise of restrictive abortion laws that encroach on women's rights, framing the work as both a response to and a rebellion against these invasive measures. New Moons addresses the ongoing struggle against gender distinctions and advocates for the education and empowerment of women from an early age, emphasising the need to prepare the next generation to challenge male dominance.

In New Moons, the artist portrays a metaphorical eclipse that symbolises the internal journey women undergo — a process of moving from vulnerability and passivity to self-advocacy and empowerment. The work envisions a new beginning, where women, united by knowledge and solidarity, reclaim their bodies and identities. This series stands as a visual representation of resistance and perseverance, offering a hopeful vision for a more inclusive society.

New Moons carries an optimistic energy, celebrating the potential for women to become active agents of change. Through this work, the artist calls for a reimagining of social structures, urging viewers to consider a future where gender equality is realized, and women’s rights are fully recognised and upheld.

“New Moons addresses the ongoing struggle against gender distinctions and advocates for the education and empowerment of women from an early age.”

“The work envisions a new beginning, where women, united by knowledge and solidarity, reclaim their bodies and identities.”

About Ada

Ada Marino (b. 1982) is an Italian visual artist based in Wales, working at the intersection between photography and installation. Born and raised in Naples, Marino's artistic formation is deeply rooted in her Southern culture and family experiences, mirroring the patriarchal domination that had surrounded her since childhood. Marino’s background has served as a springboard, enabling her to analyse and interpret the contradictory forces that shape society.

Marino’s works have been shown in group and solo exhibitions including Photo London x Hahnemuhle Student Award (London, 2024) Liquida Photofestival (Turin, 2024) Casa Azul (Gordola, 2023-2024) Copeland Gallery (London, 2022), TATE Modern (London, 2022), Ffotogallery, (Cardiff, 2022-2023) SERCHIA Gallery (Bristol, 2023) nominated FRESH EYES Talents 2023, published by The Guardian (2024), Yogurt Magazine (2023), British Journal of Photography (2024) and Fisheye 2024. Marino was awarded the Alan Whatley Prize in 2023 and nominated as a LensCulture 2024 finalist.

To see more of her work, visit her website or follow her on Instagram

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New Moons

“New Moons addresses the ongoing struggle against gender distinctions and advocates for the education and empowerment of women from an early age.”

“The work envisions a new beginning, where women, united by knowledge and solidarity, reclaim their bodies and identities.”

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