Margaret LeJeune

The Roman goddess of the hunt was Diana. She was praised for her strength, athletic grace, beauty and hunting skills. Her vigor and health were admired and her strength and protection was sought for young children and women in childbirth.

This series explores the modern notions of women hunters. Each image depicts a very personal representation of the sitter, made evident by the setting. By photographing in each women’s home or hunting lodge I seek to create a dynamic that questions the relationship between the domestic sphere, traditionally the woman’s place, and the hunting world, typically a masculine realm. The attributes of Diana, that of the bow and arrow, hunting dog, stag and animal pelts, further express this dichotomy.

Margaret LeJeune is an image-maker from Rochester, NY. Working predominately in photographic-based mediums, LeJeune explores issues of constructed gender, sexism, power dynamics and stereotypes. Her work has been exhibited nationally, and in 2008 she was awarded Best in Show in the national juried exhibition Where Are We Now: 40 Years of Feminism at ARC Gallery in Chicago. Recent publications include Her Mark 2010 and the Cave Region Review. Margaret LeJeune currently serves as Assistant Professor of Art and the Director of the Kresge Art Gallery at Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas.

© Margaret LeJeune