Real - Women who don't bow down

A photo exhibition about courage, dignity and true beauty.

It was at an exhibition opening. Tetyana Aleks saw a stylish, well-groomed, older woman with wrinkles on her face, thought she was beautiful - and asked herself: "Why do I so rarely see women like that? Where are they?"

The experience inspired the make-up artist and artist to create her own exhibition. Aleks naturally staged 25 women aged between 40 and 80, while Wels-based professional Johann Wimmer took the photographs. On display are women who stand up to the pressure of always having to look younger, smoother and more perfect. They refuse masks, fillers, Botox and cosmetic surgery and make a conscious decision to stay real.

The large-format photographs are complemented by excerpts from very personal interviews that 42-year-old Aleks conducted with the women. The participants are unsparingly open about their doubts, fears and the high demands of society and see their age as a strength, freedom and privilege.