Frontline heroines
To mark International Women’s Day, Elizabeth Okoh reflects on her project, Women on the Frontlines
When did you start taking pictures?
My journey in photography started when I was about 15 in Lagos. I found an old camera at home that no one was using. I hadn’t even known we had one! So I bought a roll of film and I’ve never stopped taking pictures since. It initially started as a way for me to document people and events. I carried the camera with me everywhere – from church to school. Events in our lives and our memories will fade, but with pictures, we get to remember and recall them for years to come.
What inspires and informs your work?
I’ve always loved to observe people, and through that, the structures, beliefs and values that govern us as a society. So I’m very much inspired by my identity as a Black migrant woman, my culture, and events happening around me.
What is the story behind the images here?
The pandemic was a traumatic time for me and as a freelancer at the time, I couldn’t work. The quote by Nina Simone, ‘An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times,’ perfectly explains why I embarked on Women on the Frontlines. I needed to hear and understand what these women went through during the lockdowns. And importantly, I wanted to celebrate them for their efforts and give them their flowers now. The women are from different industries: the NHS, the postal service, funeral services, transport and so on. I wanted to give them a platform to share their truths and to invite the public to laud them for their sacrifices.
How did your interest in boudoir photography evolve?
As an intersectional feminist, I want my work to empower and embolden women to love themselves despite what the world throws at us. The way we tear ourselves apart due to socialisation and horrible beauty standards is damning and very hard to unlearn. I stumbled on boudoir and it just felt like I had found my purpose. To use my gift and passion to exalt others to become the best versions of themselves.
Why and how do you feel boudoir photography empowers women?
To me, boudoir photography isn’t about pretending body issues and other life issues that affect us don’t exist. Instead, it’s helping women to love themselves just as they are. So, it’s about finding the beauty amidst the flaws or perception of what one thinks is a flaw. Of course, there’s also the fun and exhilarating part of a boudoir session, where you get to put makeup and lingerie on, and sashay about like you’re a star. I think that can be healing too. I believe self-love is the catalyst to how we move through the world. If you love yourself enough, you’ll have standards and not fall for any bullshit at work, with friendships and in romantic relationships.
In what ways do you think International Women’s Day is still important?
Until every woman in the world is free from prejudice, injustice and persecution events, International Women’s Day remains important. Yes, we’ve come far, but there’s still far more to go. There’s a lot I can say about the different ways women continue to suffer around the world but that would probably be a dissertation!
Elizabeth Okoh is a multi-disciplinary artist based in London. Her work has been published in publications such as The Guardian and the BBC, as well as curated in exhibitions nationally and internationally. Her debut novel, The Returnees, was published in 2020 by Hodder & Stoughton. Women on the Frontlines is being exhibited at Buckle Street Studios by Locke, London, until the end of March. Visit elizabethokoh.com