FINE ART WORK IN PROGRESS 
REBEL FRAUEN WHO FLED 
TO RULES-BASED SWITZERLAND

In this series (the initial phase pictured here), I'm seeking connections to the past that might make sense of current times, by studying the lives of historical women whom I admire, women who migrated to Switzerland, not to follow rules but to rebel against the systems that oppressed them, and, in doing so, to change the world.

Through reading their poetry, literature, details of their lifestyles, and reviewing their photographs and letters, I'm creating images, portrait drawings, and collages, the first of which are displayed here.

From the Reformation through the Enlightenment, the canonical rebellion, world wars, and on to the present day, the immigrant women I'm featuring shared one thing in common— they were (or are, in the case of a few still living) anticonformists, each in their own right.

Each visited or migrated to Switzerland to pursue something that mattered deeply to them whether it be philosophy, poetry, dance, art, math, science, nature, or simply equality, freedom, and privacy. Their actions help found institutions like Monte Verità and Cafe Voltaire. Moreover, their passions influenced generations. 

Some of the women on my list are Belgium's Marie Dentière, France's Germaine de Staël, Britain's Mary Shelley, Germany's Emmy Hennings, and the U.S.'s Tina Turner and Patricia Highsmith.

Though the Swiss snowy peaks and flowery Alps inspired these icons, Switzerland provided more. International communities of Zürich and Geneva, particularly those of immigrants, encouraged the exploration of radical thought, debate, and the pursuit of knowledge. Such an atmosphere incubated a sense that women could do anything they set their minds to. and helped found movements like: the Protestant Reformation, Dada, Analytical Psychology, Utopianism, humanitarian neutrality, and experimental dance. 

The Paradox
Anyone who understands Swiss culture, or lives in Switzerland as I do, recognizes the paradox of this project, given that women couldn't vote in Zürich until 1970, nor could they accept jobs without a husband's permission until 1976. Women weren't even permitted to manage properties and finances until 1988. It is this paradox that I find fascinating, as history proves how societies transform (often in positive ways) amid radically opposing viewpoints and lifestyles.

The Invitation
Please join me in reflecting, not just on my art and research but on the rebellious, historic women in your own community, whether Swiss or otherwise, and share that knowledge and any other inspiration here!

I am finding that, through the stories of these pioneers, my own paradoxes are becoming more evident and seem suddenly worth treasuring. After all, I am an opinionated immigrant artist, writer, and mother who, along with my family, sought refuge in Switzerland when my own country and faith felt utterly confining.

Stay tuned for more! 

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