Paola Gianturco is one of the first photojournalists to capture the moments of multi-cultural women around the world.

The exhibit in the Tarble Arts Center called “Celebrating Women” will show Gianturco’s work that was inspired by her travels to 15 different countries that gave her a glimpse into the lives of many different cultures.

While traveling she was able to witness festivals that women participated in, and their roles in their communities, rites of passage, accomplishments and spiritual lives.

Gianturco’s interest in gender roles came to her while she was working as the public relations director for Hall and Levine Advertising, the first fashion retailer in the U.S. catering to working women.

“When I joined an international corporate communications firm and found that I was frequently the only woman in the room in client meetings, I realized just how unusual my experience was,” Gianturco said.

Everything Gianturco has learned and experienced has given her a vision for humanity.

“My dream is that people will conclude that women (and men) can live fully human lives, instead of lives constrained by arbitrary gender assumptions,” Gianturco said.

Gianturco has made presentations at the Field Museum in Chicago, the American Craft Museum in New York City and has appeared on the “Oprah Winfrey Show,” CNN, “NPR-All Things Considered” and many others.

“There have been many documentary photographers of people from wide global perspectives, but Gianturco makes her images of women something upbeat, positive, powerful- rather than making us want to cry or turn away in disbelief,” said Jean T.

Marquardt, director for Translational Humanities and professor of art history and women’s studies.

“I hope everyone who sees the exhibition and/or attends the lectures is more enlightened about the challenges and successes faced by women around the world, often things we take for granted,” said Michael Watts, the director of the Tarble Arts Center.

Gianturco has currently written four books and the profits she makes from the books are donated to nonprofit organizations such as the PAVA Foundation, The Global Fund for Women, the International Museum of Women, and many others.

“One hundred percent of the author royalties from Women Who Light the Dark go to the Global Fund for Women, which is working on women’s human rights in countries all over the world,” Gianturco said. “The royalties from Viva Colores! benefit the PAVA Foundation, which is rebuilding schools and bridges in the Guatemala highlands after the 36 year civil war.”

The work she has done, and the donations made have made a difference to many.

“Gianturco’s photographs help open the door to the visual experience of truly seeing other women as beautiful, resilient, creative, intelligent and important,” Marquardt said.

Currently, Gianturco is working on her next book and has 18 months left to go until it’s finished.

The Tarble Arts Center will be hosting the exhibit “Celebrating Women,” displaying Gianturco’s photos from January 8-30.

Samantha Wilmes can be reached at 581-7944 or [email protected]