Bio

Jaimy Gail is a Dutch photographer based in Amsterdam. She makes staged yet intimate portraits of women, examining their representation and misrepresentation by focusing on the social and political issues they face. She challenges the boundaries set by a society that views men as the norm, pushing the limits of our subconscious understanding of what is socially acceptable. Through her art, she highlights her position, as well as their physical and psychological characteristics, making her work both thought-provoking and aesthetically appealing. Her portraits showcase women as divine beings, challenging traditional notions of femininity and elevating their status to a higher level. Her work examines how gender identity is determined by a combination of biological aspects (sex) and social interactions. This means gender identity is neither solely biological nor entirely a social construct but a combination of the two. In Normaal Doen (Acting Normal) (2017–2020), Gail questions the dominant Western, white, and patriarchal norm. She does so by positioning women within this framework and examining what is deemed socially acceptable behavior for women. By introducing subtle disruptions to staged scenes that otherwise appear perfectly "normal," she creates images that feel familiar yet alien and uncomfortable, prompting viewers to reflect on societal expectations. In Vrouw Zijn (Being a Woman) (2021–ongoing), Gail explores the position of women in a world where men set and control standards. The female nude, a beloved and timeless subject in art, has historically been shaped by the male gaze. Gail reclaims this tradition by portraying women in domestic settings—spaces often assigned to them by patriarchal societies—but with a sense of pride and indifference. These women unapologetically take up space and confront the viewer directly. What connects the women in these photos, despite their varying social constructs, is the shared experience of womanhood and the formation of identity within imposed frameworks. In her latest series Vulva (2023- 2025) Gail focuses on the biological aspect of female identity by capturing the female genitalia in a poetic photographic style. These close-up images, featuring the vulva as the sole subject, confront societal stigma head-on. For centuries, women’s bodies—and particularly the vulva—have been politicized, sexualized, and hidden. Through this project, Gail reclaims the vulva as a symbol of strength and pride, challenging the shame rooted in patriarchal constructs. By photographing women from diverse backgrounds—including different ages, cultures, experiences, and situations such as pregnancy, transgender identity, and circumcision—Gail ensures Vulva reflects a truly inclusive representation of womanhood. The result is a celebration of resilience, diversity, and the power of the female body, contributing to a female-led tradition that redefines beauty and identity. By celebrating the vulva as a source of strength and pride, this project, like Vrouw Zijn, contributes to a female-led pictorial tradition of presenting women as mystique and magnificent beings. Through her work, Gail challenges deeply ingrained biases and celebrates the resilience and complexity of female identity.