Exhibition on "Gwaith Merched" challenges perceptions of women’s work in Wales

8 April 2025

Viv Collis, a graduate of UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art is reframing perspectives with her latest exhibition, Gwaith Merched at the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. Launched on International Women’s Day, it blends archival materials with contemporary photographs to spark conversation and reflection on the role of women in the Welsh workforce.

On display at the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea until 7th September 2025 and admission is free.

Woman standing in front of display on at museum — Photo by Sarah Grounds

Viv’s time at on BA Documentary Photography and Visual Activism and MA Photography – Contemporary Dialogues played a fundamental role in shaping her approach to documentary photography and visual activism.

“I have always been interested in social and cultural politics, but linking them to the visual during my degree was new and exciting learning for me,” Viv said. “I discovered the power of images, documentary, and conceptual art through my studies. I also discovered a love of portraiture and explored how that might be undertaken in a more engaging and dynamic way.”

It was during her bachelor’s degree that she also began researching the role of women in the workplace, a theme that dominates her current exhibition.

“One of my images of a woman, lone working, on her farm was chosen to be shown for an internal exhibition. When fellow students puzzled over why I’d photographed a farmer I replied, ‘because she’s a woman working alone.’ This was met by surprise - not that she was working alone, but that it was a woman. I’ve always been interested in what people see and read into images.”

Influenced by the theoretical side of her studies, she became more attuned to how images are read and interpreted, which pushed her to highlight the lack of representation of women in non-traditional roles. Her work aligns seamlessly with the ethos of the Documentary Photography and Visual Activism programme, advocating for the subjects she portrays.

“As a woman who has worked in both conventional and non-conventional roles, it was important to me to open up a wider visual dialogue through Gwaith Merched,” Viv explained. I interviewed the women I photographed, ensuring their voices and stories are represented alongside their portraits, giving further depth to the narrative.”

Gwaith Merched presents a powerful blend of Viv’s own photographs of women in male-dominated roles - such as contemporary arborists, plasterers, and prison workers - alongside historical archival images she was granted access to by the National Waterfront Museum. Together, they reveal that women have long been part of these industries.

The exhibition raises critical questions about how women are represented in the workforce, challenging stereotypes and shining a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout history. The juxtaposition of contemporary and historical images encourages reflection on these overlooked roles and their significance in shaping the workforce today.

Photography lecturer Ryan Moule commented: “Congratulations to Viv Collis and her thought-provoking exhibition, Gwaith Merched, at the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. Viv’s work powerfully demonstrates the impact and relevance of documentary photography in shaping public discourse. Viv’s dedication and insightful storytelling highlight the vital contributions of women in our communities, reinforcing the importance of visual activism as a tool for social change.”

For more information on Viv’s exhibition, visit museum.wales/swansea/whatson/12520/Gwaith-Merched.

You can also find out more about BA Documentary Photography and Visual Activism and MA Photography – Contemporary Dialogues – both courses that led Viv to where she is.