Warburton photographer Suzanne Phoenix’s annual additions to her International Women’s Day (IWD) photographic portrait series have arrived, with an array of new names and faces featured.
This year’s new arrivals include a variety of Melbourne personalities including activists, actors, artists, authors, DJs, fashionistas, journalists, models, musicians, performers and producers.
Ms Phoenix said she is excited to bring together another 23 people into her IWD portrait
series in 2025.
“I continue to collaborate with cis and trans women and gender diverse people, predominantly in Melbourne’s music and queer performance scenes, as a place to document and provide an uncensored voice,” she said.
“We continue to live in a society where gender-based violence and oppression is ever present so I continue to build on this annual series and I hope this work contributes in some way to changing perceptions and challenges everyone to reach beyond the staid IWD breakfast events.”
The new portraits added to the collection this year consist of:
• Writer, journalist and publisher of Archer Magazine Amy Middleton
• Singer and lyricist of Frenzee Apollonia Singer
• Singer and visual artist of Gut health Athina Uh oh
• Events producer, podcast producer and radio broadcaster Beź Zewdie
• Performer and maker of Cong Josie Camilla McKewen
• Singer, actor, author, speaker and entertainer Casey Donovan
• Musician Delfi Sorondo of The Maggie Pills
• Musician Emilee South
• Actor and activist Frankie Mazzone
• Artist Georgia Knight
• Artist Ginger Light
• Artist Grace Cummings
• Musician and record label co-founder Isobel Buckley (Blonde Revolver, Rack off Records, Gutter Girls 69)
• Writer and carer Karen Pickering
• Musician Kerri Simpson of Opelousas
• Musician, visual artist and filmmaker Lauren Hester (Private Function, Daddy Issues)
• Veteran Vamp fashionista Michelle Trebilco
• DJ, event curator and sound artist MzRizk
• Singer of RVG Romy Vager
• Musician Sarah Blaby (Plaster of Paris, The Maggie Pills, Double Vanity)
• Femicide researcher and social justice journalist Sherele Moody
• Artist Ursula Dutkiewicz
• Vocalist Zec Zechner (Plaster of Paris, Double Vanity)
Ms Phoenix is set to release a self-published book which will include both the portraits and each person’s uncensored written response to the question – ‘What Does International Women’s Day Mean to me?’
Casey Donovan said IWD is a time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of women throughout history.
“It’s a day and time to celebrate the strides made towards gender equality and acknowledge the ongoing fight for women’s rights worldwide,” she said.
“This day serves as an important reminder of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, it’s a time to honour the strength and resilience of women who have paved the way for future generations,”
“Let us continue to support and empower women every day to create a safe place to live, work and encourage our future generations.”
The series is in its 14th year and has featured hundreds of Melbourne’s cis and trans women in Ms Phoenix’s ‘signature black and white style.’
Sherele Moody said IWD is a powerful moment when women come together to save other women’s lives.
“It’s an opportunity to highlight the ongoing toll and impact of gendered violence on Australia while commemorating killed women and children,”
“We cannot move forward without change: The stories of killed women and children are the most powerful way to turn the page on violence in Australia.”
The portraits will be in-residence at Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (QVWC) during March sponsored by Australian Femicide Watch and SMLXL Fine Art Print Studio and supported by QVWC.
MzRizk said as someone who has navigated some of these challenges firsthand, International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the collective power they have to drive meaningful change.
“It motivates me to keep curating spaces and events that promote diversity and connection,” she said.
“Through music and the arts, I believe we can build bridges, challenge norms, and create a world where everyone’s voice is valued and celebrated.”
Ms Phoenix’s entire IWD project can be viewed at: suzannephoenix.com/iwd.
“I like to remind myself of all the incredible women in my life that have made spaces for me to shine and be free as Frankie,” Frankie Mazzone said.
International Women’s Day will be celebrated on Saturday 8 March 2025.
