Photo exhibitions is a  means of communication between photographers  and the public. These photos portray the stories of restlessness, social and psychological realities,  happiness and just about anything. It's these  kinds of experiences that  are  shared with  the public, to widen their horizons or even arouse controversy  and curiosity.

The Chamber for Women  Exhibition was officially closed on January 9th 2009. The all women photographers,  attempted to show  the social problems in Jakarta. Around 25 photography works using various approaches,  were displayed at  the Cipta III Gallery  and Oktagon Gallery from December 2nd until January 9th 2009.

The exhibition  was carried out by  Mata Perempuan a group of women photographers,  who have exhibited their work twice before. Though both were themeless, they focused on a much more  women's approach. This time around they were challenged  to portray the subjectivity of  women and  the problems of the city through photography.

As one of the events of  the  Zone of Understanding Jakarta Biennale 2009, the Chamber for Women  Exhibition attempted to address the  problems that emerged  during the first stages of the city's development -  that undermined  the  humanistic elements. That  when people  adjust  to the city structures and not vice versa,   spatial problems were bound to arise.  Through the exhibition, Mata Perempuan tried to emphasize  these concerns – that later were under debate, and perhaps  different compared  to the the problems faced by men..

The eight photographers  involved in this exhibition include  :  Aiko Urfia Rakhmi, Christina Phan, Evelyn Pritt, Ruth Hesti Utami, Julia Sarisetiati, Keke Tumbuan, Malahayati, dan Stephany Yaya Sungkharisma. Each come from various backgrounds, making the exhibition dynamic. For instance Yaya with her surreal style who captured  a hand coming out of a noodle  bowl or a mouth that become one with a shower. Or Evelyne Pritt's city report – that emphasized the rising land prices and unoccupied land in the city. Hesti also used her own approach  playing with symbols – bandages as a sign of sickness,  attached to three faces overlooking the cold sea of concrete buildings.


Apart from the these works, 20 other photos were  on display for 300 visitors. Many stories were shared  along with questions, suggestions,  and comments from the public.  Although for now, stories about  women and the city  through this photo exhibition  may have  have come to an  end,   there are still  many more  to  be revealed  the next time around.