Artworks by Rachel Vogeleisen

I was born in France in the mid-1960s and now live and work in London. Growing up in the 1970s, I became very aware of the limitations and expectations imposed on women. For years, I carried a frustration that I struggled to express. and realised photography would become my voice.

My practice centres on portraiture, feminism, and the experience of being a woman. Across both documentary and conceptual photography, I explore themes of resilience, visibility, identity, ageing, reinvention, and quiet rebellion.

My earlier projects focused on women whose stories were often overlooked. During my MA in Fine Art Photography, I began a long-term portrait series celebrating women who contributed to the Second World War effort through the WRNS, WAAF, ATS, Land Army, and ATA.

I later created a second portrait project centred on women over fifty who had reinvented themselves. My work has since evolved towards conceptual fine art photography.

My series, Women in Quiet Rebellion, explores women's place in society through classic portraiture inspired by Renaissance and formal portraiture. These portraits examine the tension between societal expectations and inner strength, giving voice to women who were expected to be seen but not heard.

In contrast, The Joyful Journey moves away from the stillness of posed portraiture and embraces movement, grain, and blur to celebrate freedom, reinvention, and emotional liberation. The work reflects the courage it takes for women to redefine themselves on their own terms.

What connects all my projects is a fascination with women in transition: women resisting invisibility, reclaiming identity, or quietly challenging the roles assigned to them.

Photography allows me to create images that are both personal and universal. I want women to recognise themselves emotionally in my work and to reflect on the generations of women who came before us.

I joined Artfinder because I believe art should live beyond the studio and find its way into people’s lives. My work is created to be seen, lived with, and reflected upon. Artfinder offers the opportunity to connect with collectors who value thoughtful, emotionally driven art and who understand the years of dedication behind a creative practice.

For me, photography is more than my medium; it is how I process the world, preserve stories, and contribute to wider conversations about identity, empowerment, and what it means to be a woman today.