Of Women and Trees - A visual conversation about rootedness, strength and society

There are sentences that fall like a pebble into a still lake - and their circles reach far beyond the moment. I came across these words in Tallinn almost twenty years ago: „I don't believe in God, but women and trees are proof of His existence.“ The author remained unknown, but the idea stuck. I wrote it down on a piece of paper and pinned it to the wall above my desk. It still hangs there today - as a silent counterpart, a question, a memory.

A project has grown out of this encounter: „Of Women and Trees“. It is more than a photo series - it is a visual and narrative work that pushes the boundaries between art photography and socio-political essay. The project focuses its cameras on women in the Zug region - women who shape, form and influence. Women whose stories often go unheard, even though they shape our society. Their portraits are flanked by shots of trees - symbols of rootedness and renewal - and street art that dissects and comments on social role models. This creates a dialog: between the individual and society, between nature and culture, between quiet observation and clear gesture. It is not about symbols, but about people. With rough edges, with voices and stories. That is why the people portrayed reveal their own perspectives - their words expand the images into a narrative.

Each of these personalities stands for their own form of strength: Pia, the young farmer's wife whose family works together to harvest the Zug cherries - a symbol of tradition, community and tireless energy. Blerta Quni, a martial arts fighter who has fought for her place in a male domain through iron discipline and willpower. Najoud, the refugee whose story tells of new beginnings and hope. Nina Betschart, bronze medal winner in beach volleyball at the Olympic Games in Paris - a symbol of sporting excellence and perseverance. Jeannine Exter, tattoo artist and entrepreneur who combines art and self-determination. Maya Xhemailin, professional dancer whose movement is an expression of freedom and body art. Steffi Reichmuth, triathlete who pushes boundaries - physically and mentally. Jill Nussbaumer, a politician who campaigns for social change and is particularly committed to equal rights for same-sex partnerships. And finally Alice Rüttimann, over 100 years old, landlady of a local restaurant - living history, rootedness and resilience.

All of these women live, work or grew up in Zug. Each of them is part of the cultural and social fabric of this region. Why women, trees and street art? Women embody strength, change and the ability to shape society. Trees are metaphors for rootedness and renewal - they grow, support, endure. Street art comments on role models and power structures - it is the voice of the street, direct and blunt. Together they form a visual conversation about identity, belonging and social dynamics. „I don't believe in God, but women and trees are proof of His existence.“ Perhaps it was never intended to be a leitmotif. But it has become one. A sentence that holds together the doubtful and the hopeful. A sentence that balances between irony and seriousness. But above all, a sentence that has taken root - in an idea, in a city, in images that tell of women and trees.