Regeneration

My current project Regeneration focuses on the topic of menopause, a natural stage in a woman‘s life where her body gradually reduces the production of specific hormones, leading to a range of physical and emotional transformations. However, social norms often prevent open discussions about this topic. Menopause in Japanese is “Konenki“.

“Ko” means “regeneration“ or “renewal”.

“Nen” refers to “several years”.

“Ki” describes “season” or “energy”.

Therefore, menopause is a time of renewal in the middle of life.

The motivation and purpose of my project are to break the silence surrounding this phase of life at all levels of society. As I am currently going through menopause myself, I am confronted with many fears and a lack of understanding about what is happening to my body. This is why I started the project Regeneration to show the inner fear of women when they reach menopause and go through it. This entire journey that a woman undergoes during menopause is a complete renewal of her body and mind. Women have to fight through this regeneration and overcome various challenges. It is like a rebirth; sometimes, one has to endure physical and mental pain. You learn to be a new you. Everything changes in this new world, and you find yourself asking: Who am I anyway?

Anna Weidle was born in the Republic of Moldova and has lived in Germany for twenty years. Her photography expresses her inner world, which is shaped by perceptions, thoughts, feelings, memories, dreams, emotions, and losses. Through photographs, she reflects on herself and create a new reality together with the people in her stories. Her work touches on sensitive and profound issues that are important to her.