Just over a century ago, Jeannette Rankin of Montana won a seat in the House of Representatives, becoming the first woman ever elected to federal office. In 1917, 128 years after the first U.S. Congress convened, she was sworn into its 65th session.
One hundred and two years later, one has become 131—the number of women serving in both chambers of the 116th Congress.
For most of recorded American history, political power has looked a certain way. But the 2018 midterm elections brought a seismic change; for the first time, more than 100 women serve in the House—out of 435 seats—and members of color were elected in more states than ever before.
This series documents the women of the 116th Congress. Like the work of Kehinde Wiley, who painted Barack Obama’s presidential portrait, these photographs evoke the imagery we are used to seeing in the halls of power, but place the people not previously seen as powerful starkly in the frames.
Portraits of these women are a testament to what power looks like in 2019—and the possibilities of what it may look like in the years to come.
Artist Bios
-
Elizabeth D. Herman
Elizabeth D. Herman is a photojournalist based in New York City and a Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Her work focuses on the politics of history, conflict, and group belonging. A regular contributor to The New York Times, she was previously a Fulbright Fellow to Bangladesh and has had her photography and research published in national and international outlets.
-
Celeste Sloman
Celeste Sloman is a New York City born and raised photographer, specializing in editorial portraiture. After completing her Bachelor of Arts at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, she returned to New York to pursue photography. Celeste has been published nationally and internationally in numerous publications. In addition to commissions, Celeste has collaborated with UN Women and is working on her own independent projects.
Organizations
-
The New York Times
Since 1851, the New York Times has been on the ground reporting stories from around the globe that no one else was telling. How we tell those stories has changed, but our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world has remained constant.
Redefining Representation: The Women of the 116th Congress
Featuring: Elizabeth D. Herman Celeste Sloman
Curated by: Beth Flynn Marisa Schwartz Taylor
Locations
View Location Details Download a detailed map of this location Brooklyn Bridge Park – Emily Warren Roebling Plaza1 Water St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
This location is part of Brooklyn Bridge Park
Explore other locations and exhibitions nearby
