There’s something so wonderful about individuals so intent on exploring passion through the process of discovery. Someone who places conscious effort behind embarking upon a project where the ultimate goal is to collaborate and create with likeminded individuals – because this is what art is truly all about.

Two such creatives and incredibly talented and passionate women, photographer Michelle Grace Hunder and filmmaker Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore, fit this particular brief so perfectly – particularly with their latest project, Her Sound Her Story (HSHS), a collaboration for this year’s Melbourne Music Week. HSHS is a combined photographic and film exhibition aimed at shining the light on the depth of talent of women in the Australian music industry including artists, professionals and media personalities. Whatever their profession, they all have one thing in common: they are all incredibly talented, influential, powerful and passionate women.

The lineup of women involved is outstanding to say the least, from industry legends Kate Ceberano, Tina Arena and Jen Cloher, to modern-day ladies like Karina Utomo, Zan Rowe and Sampa the Great who are currently killing it within their chosen fields, all paving the way for many a young creative who may be aspiring to dive head first into the music industry. The need for true representation should never be underestimated, and HSHS is centred on providing exactly that.

MISSY HIGGINS
Her Sound, Her Story will showcase women in music through photo and film exhibits

There is a constant ongoing discussion surrounding gender equality, particularly within the music industry, and HSHS as both an exhibition and an ideology really hammers home a definitive answer to a lot of these open-ended questions. It’s a real call to action, showcasing the talent and passion of these women which surfaces as a chance for others to reflect upon some truly incredible achievements, with Michelle explaining the initial start point which sparked their passion behind the project.

“After my last project – Rise, I got to the end and took the time to reflect upon the fact I worked with over 180 people and only around 10 of them were female, despite making a really conscious effort… After Rise, I just knew for my next project I definitely wanted to be working with women. I could really see the gender disparity in the industry but, I kept asking myself ‘why’? I wanted to explore that in an artistic way and answer the question of ‘what can I do to make a difference?’”

In terms of enlisting the creative talents of Claudia, Michelle comments, “if I was going to explore the reasons behind the gender disparity that we’re still seeing, I knew we needed to speak to these women. To ask questions like; ‘what are their issues, what are their reasons, what are the barriers they face if any, and ask whether or not these barriers still exist today”. Further reflecting, Claudia responds; “This approach allowed us to make HSHS both a celebration and a conversation”.

Although being driven by a constant theme, the intricacies of a set agenda, as Michelle reveals, weren’t present. “The framework was really built upon their personal experiences… we approached the artists in a way where we focused on taking photographs and really just having a conversation. With the way Claudia approached the interviews there was a real sense of familiarity…  They were all very open and very honest, some even had moments themselves where they were like ‘whoa, I’ve never spoken about some of this stuff before’”. What a truly wonderful experience to hear first hand the revelations of some true industry icons.

MEG MAC
The project covers everyone from recent success stories like Meg Mac, to icons like Renée Geyer

Cross generational discussion and comparisons were also a key factor when embarking upon the project with Claudia elaborating, “speaking to women who have been around (the industry) a long time, when you go back generations it really is a totally different story. It was really important to us to give these women a voice”.

Although HSHS focuses specifically on women in the music industry, the sole concept isn’t about gender at all. “It’s about celebrating these artists and professionals. Some of the songs these artists have created have been soundtracks to peoples lives and it’s something so beautiful to create a space where they can have even more intimate conversations, and talk about and express things they normally wouldn’t get the opportunity to discuss”. Adding to this point Claudia highlights, “it’s an artist statement… We wanted to really elevate each individual artist, what they really believe in and what makes them as great as they are”.

HSHS is truly a one of a kind tribute and presents a stark reminder of the tenacity of a creative. Michelle and Claudia each worked tirelessly and independently to shine a light upon the achievements of women in the music industry and the awe-inspiring legacy these artists and professionals are not only apart of, but created. Michelle and Claudia are indeed two incredible women who, through their work and commitment to the cause, hopefully count themselves amongst the list of inspiring women, with this project proving that they too, have earned a place amongst the industry greats.

Her Sound, Her Story features an ongoing exhibition at Melbourne’s Emporium from Thursday onwards, with a live show opening the MMW Hub on November 12 with music by a diverse range of female musicians – more info is available here.

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