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An extraordinary exhibition about ordinary womenby photographer Cornelia SchmidtPEOPLEPEOPLEPEOPLEJuPEOPLEPEOPLEPEOPLEJuPEOPLEPEOPLEPEOPLEsPEOPLEPEOPLEPEOPLEsPEOPLEPEOPLEPEOPLEtPEOPLEPEOPLEPEOPLEtPEOPLEPEOPLEPEOPLEEXHIBITION“BARA KVINNOR”

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 2 -JUST WOMEN A naked documentary reflecting our time.Motherhood. Sisterhood. Beauty. Sensitivity. Whore. Madonna. Person? Woman?What does it mean to be feminine? In the current exhibition “Just Women” photographer Cornelia Schmidt is showing portraits of random, every day women. But, unlike traditional studio portraits, all of Cornelia’s models are naked. Cornelia asks, “How do you define a woman?”. With the exhibition, she wants us to question how we define each other based on the norms and rules of society. Judgement occurs simultaneously the moment we see someone’s skin colour, clothing or hear the sound of their voice. As women, we are also often jugded according to historical stereotypes of womenhood. Mothers and wives, sensual and conservative, drama queen or cold and calculating, temptress and submissive. Cornelia points out that all women cannot or are not even interested in living up to these ideals. THE JUST PEOPLE TEAMCornelia Schmidt - Photographer | Fredrik Stigebrant - Project leaderDaniela Fagernäs - Art director | Beatrice Almhagen - Copywriter | Giuli Perilla - Copywriter | Carolyn Siegel - Translator | Deborah Fronko - Translator | Marianna Faccenda - Translator

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 3 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 2 -Since 2012, Cornelia has been documenting a wide spectrum of people with a single photographic image and a story, for her project Just People. Youth to elderly and with diverse gender identities are all photographed without clothing and all telling their unique story. The exhibition “Just Women” is about being a woman in every day life. Without clothing as a distraction or defining factor, Cornelia Schmidt digs deeper than the obvious and the unconscious preconceptions. The passions and destinies of these women stand alone to tell their stories. We own our own bodies. They are for ourselves and not for anyone else to judge or use as a tool for their pleasure. They are our home.Beatrice Almhagen, GöteborgTHANK YOU! Huge thanks to all of you other lovely people who help and support us with props, time, knowledge and god-knows-what...and thanks to all of you that share your stories and make this possible.ISBN: 978-91-639-3593-0

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 4 -PRINCESSWho am I and who will I be? Who do you expect me to be to fit in with society, to fit in with your view of the world? A princess in pink, a girly girl? A new life and already so many expecta- tions. You say I can be anyone I want. Can I, really? Will your expectations hold me back and force me to play my role in society or take the consequences?

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 5 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 4 -Alfrida - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 6 -THE BEST OF 2 WORLDSI often joke and say that I’m a guy with tits. On the outside, I’m a colorful make-up artist, while on the inside I’m a tough and fearless dockworker. Imagine one body with both parts! It’s fantastic. Masculine and femi- nine at the same time. I love that we are all so different. My wish is for every- one in the world to have the chance to be exactly who they are. There are no rules. I live with two contrasting extremes. That is my passion.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 7 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 6 -Annica - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 8 -WHO AM I?Who am I? That’s probably a question everyone asks themselves, but doesn’t deal with. For me it’s important to embrace the cultures I come from; part warm Philippine and part wild Sami. This might sound like a strange mix, but it makes me the person I am today. I’m proud of who I am and my roots. I’m unique. My roots are something I can never cut off. Something always in my blood. Everyone should take the time to explore their roots. This is the only way to complete self-knowledge. You grow as a human being and see the world from a different angle. You feel certain instead of confused about your identity. You’re no longer lost; you’ve found your way home to your true self.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 9 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 8 -Ann-Sophie - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 10 -ME+FASHION=LOVEI have never ever written that I am completely crazy about shoes, so it is about time now! Shoes, shoes, shoes, they are everywhere. My greatest interest since I was four years old has been fashion, shoes, and bags. One day my mother had a birthday party at home, and it was full of people. I found a pair of high-heeled shoes, put them on, and after a few steps, I fell and broke my arm. However, that didn’t discourage me. Your posture changes and becomes more attractive when you wear high heels. My favorite model is pumps, especially in strong and vibrant colors. Red or pink for instance. Easy to match and practical for many occasions. They can be worn to work, to a discrete event at church, and to events that require a sophisticated style. Pumps are a model every woman should have because they are an easy match for different styles.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 11 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 10 -Karine - Brazil

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 12 -THE OTHER SELFTo find your true self you sometimes need to meet your other self (embrace another self). We are often much more than we know (than we thought), we are yin and yang, life and death, man and woman and much more. When searching for the woman inside of me, I found the man. When I accept and love them both and they are allowed to live together as one, I become a richer me.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 13 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 12 -Johan - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 14 -ZANI am a woman & woman means: life, freshness & vitality, patience, love, a world of affection and kindness, full beauty. I may be fragile by nature, but I am strong. I am a wife & wife means: friend, soul companion, steadfast rock, fulcrum, fellow and savior, temptation! I am a mother & mother means: the pulse of life, creation, the sweet taste of a hug, sleepless nights, sacrifice, the meaning of peace, mother means love!

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 15 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 14 -Natasha - Iran

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 16 -MADONNATo balance all the different roles in life for both men and women is hard in these modern times. In some cultures, the old ways or some would say the traditional ways, are even more distinguished. The women aren’t even allowed to have a career - though they do. They are expected to have the full housewife role while working outside of the house at the same time. At work you are expected to be the perfect colleague, with a different role than at home. In many cases the women are expected to be the impeccable mother, wife and life partner. To a lover, your role is the whore. Men still often want a Madonna in the kitchen and an amazing lover in bed (the whore). I often use humour to defuse the different roles that society expects us to have. It is just more fun that way.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 17 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 16 -Nina - Finland

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 18 -SCRATCH MY BACKScratch my back, Mommy!Throughout the years she has been there like a helping hand. The years have passed by and the roles have come to change. We help each other.Life is a circle!

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 19 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 18 -Stina & Kajsa - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 20 -STOPEven the best days are hard days for me. Everything takes so much energy. Other people complain about how hard things are for them. They have no idea what it is like to have OCD and struggle with every simple, little thing. Luckily, I am strong. And I will walk away from this one day, with my chin up and my hair blowing in the wind behind me, even stronger.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 21 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 20 -Maja - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 22 -ANXIETYPanic anxiety has steered my life since I was sixteen. During the worst attacks, my comfort zone is minimal. Just going to the mailbox is a major challenge. But I have a plan: I’m going to take command of my anxiety, and be honest towards myself and my therapist when I do my homework and exercises. I’m going to use my sense of humor when confronted with my own limits, and never stop telling people that a person with a mental illness is not stupid.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 23 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 22 -Pia - Denmark

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 24 -DON´T BE AFRAIDAll women are born as princesses, then life trains them to be warriors. We warriors fight together, we stand up to save each other’s life. EleniaNo reason, motive or cause exist why a woman should suffer any kind of violence: psychological or physical … Stand up!Moreno

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 25 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 24 -Elenia + Moreno - Italy

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 26 -BREAK THE CHAINWe can’t stop violence against girls and women on the street if abuse persist in the home. Abuse is a chain reaction. The first brave step in promoting a change is to make your daughter understand that abuse is not normal and it is definitely not ok!

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 27 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 26 -Tania - Dominican Republic

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 28 -AGAINST INJUSTICEInner strength and security allow the archer to shoot his arrow without error. My arrow is an outstretched hand to the one in need of help, to the one who seeks the strength not to fall into the trap of alcohol and drugs. My childhood and teenage years were very difficult. Every day, I still fight a disease with determination and courage. I am a girl that became a woman. A woman who is aware, lively and radiating.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 29 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 28 -Arianna - Italy

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 30 -COUCH SLOUCHThe two of us are sisters. Our way of nourishing our relation- ship is on the sofa. Since we are both couch potatoes, it is natural for us to have our cozy-time on the sofa with our handiwork in our hands, watching movies together and shutting out the rest of the world for just a few hours.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 31 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 30 -Mikaela + Tina - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 32 -PURE JOYTo have the opportunity to look at, feel, smell a rose close up for awhile each day, gives me pure joy. There is a focus and stillness that is tremendous to be near a rose.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 33 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 32 -Eva - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 34 -HAIR IN THE AIRI’m a hairdresser by profession, but that’s not who I am. I took this photo to challenge myself. It was fun, hard and honestly, I’m not so keen about showing it off. So when you look at it I hope you look at me with respectful eyes. Everyone has a story and mine has elements of bullying & sexual harassment since my childhood. I have fought hard to get where I am. I learned, I grew, I got stronger, I moved on. My family has always been there to support me and to them I am eternally grateful. Friends have come and gone over the years. I assume people are good until the opposite is proven. This photo captures a facade that I have always worn, but also an honesty and natural joy that I have had since I was born. That is what I am, deep down. I am joy and I am proud to be me.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 35 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 34 -Kristina - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 36 -COMPASSIONCompassion. Pure honest naked truth, in love, in wisdom. You truly are so loved, so blessed, so supported, whether you know it or not. You certainly are! Dare to ask for help. You don’t need to do it all on your own. Telling you, telling me too. Have faith and walk in Beauty! With Love.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 37 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 36 -Lakshmi - Norway

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 38 -HAPPY FOODFood. Green. Energy. Red. Vitamins. Yellow. Minerals. Blue. Rainbow. Life.Food is medicine for your soul but also petrol for your fantastic body. With the right fuel, your journey will be longer, healthier and happier.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 39 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 38 -Cornelia - Switzerland

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 40 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 40 -WITH A PEN IN MY HANDThrough the gift of expression, using words and speech we have a huge potential to make a difference, more now than ever. More powerful than anything else, words can instigate change, for the better and for the worse. When the words, common sense and arguments start slipping away, the violence and guns become our weapons. Communication is our most influential weapon. It can bring us toge- ther, as fast as it can separate us. Knowledge is our defense against the words that threaten to break, separate and control over us. Choose your words wisely, the ones you use and the ones you choose to believe.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 41 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 40 -Yvette - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 42 -THE FILM DIRECTORMy films aren’t intended to change the world, but to give a tiny glimpse of magic with the hope of mesmerizing someone,if only for just a moment.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 43 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 42 -Marita - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 44 -VOLLEY BALLVolleyball…is Freedom. A rush, a passion, adrenaline, courage, intuition, control. The Heart. After the first touch, nothing exists. No thoughts, just a great desire to play. My safe place, my comfort zone. Volleyball makes me feel alive with my heart’s pounding and the shining in my eyes. It is an escape from everyday life, from the routine. It is oxygen, carefree. Volleyball is part of me and always will be. We should all have a passion that drives us to carve out some time for us. We all should have something that makes us feel that way.Free…

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 45 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 44 -Marianna - Italy

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 46 -CELTIC NOTESMusic is the language of the soul and has always been important in my life. I started singing at an early age and also started to play the flute. Singing, playing and performing gives me a sense of freedom which is hard to describe. During my teen years, influenced by Celtic music, I learned to play the penny whistle. The sounds of Celtic music are haunting yet it can also be so lively that you just want to get up and dance (a ceilidh). Through the captivating sounds of the Celtic music and its instruments, I feel a connection with my Scottish roots and bygone times.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 47 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 46 -Lisa-Ann - Scotland

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 48 -AM I HAPPY? ASK ME.The smile you regain, recognize and accept. Endometriosis can become invalidating and to coexist with a disability isn’t easy but everything is possible. I started dancing again on my wheels and I came back to myself, free and alive.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 49 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 48 -Chiara - Italy

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 50 -YIN YANGFriendship is your real homeland. Finding a real friend a thousand miles away from home, finding a sister a thousand miles away from home, finding a home a thousand miles away from home … a sensation of security and belonging. You don’t have to share the same blood, sister. You don’t have to have grown up on the same street, friend. Words are not necessary, love. We have found everything here, on the other side of the world; in the middle of an unknown territory, we have found each other in each other’s eyes … so different but so equal. Parallel lives in a life that almost does not belong to us, but without it, we would not have been blessed with “us”. We exist, we listen, we help. We will always find each other … me and you, you and me.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 51 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 50 -Francesca + Stefania - Italy

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 52 -PROUDI certainly didn’t choose the simplest instrument. I never roll that way. I went from having a nice, friendly relationship with a flute to a passionate affair with a French horn. Victor, my French horn, appeared in my life when I was 17 years old. Together with Victor, I grew. I became proficient and eventually became one of the first women to represent the northern band of the royal Swedish army. Today, Victor and I don’t hang out very much anymore, but he will always be mine.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 53 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 52 -Christine - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 54 -SIXTY FIVEOn contemplating the self; both on the surface and from within, you develop this understanding of your- self with all the inevitable imperfections. Accepting them (or at least trying to) and taking a moment to see the beautiful things in life. What matters most is to hear that small, peaceful voice within. Not what others have said, or what you have heard countless times. Sometimes, all you need is silence.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 55 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 54 -Christine - France

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 56 -FRIENDSHIPAnyone who has ever had a pet knows about the strong ties between a person and their pet, whether it’s a dog, horse or parakeet. You have someone who needs you, who will keep your secrets, who will always be there to comfort you, or make you feel good. Someone who will never let you down, who would die for you. There is absolutely nothing that beats the ties between a person and their pet.

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 57 -Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 56 -Michaela - Sweden

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 58 -About the project Just peoplePhotographerCornelia SchmidtCornelia was born in Lugano in southern Switzerland. She has always had a passion for Photography, it was an important component in her life, starting as a hobby that later developed into her profession. In 2000, she moved to Sweden for love and soon after that, she set up her own photo- graphy studio. In Sweden Cornelia met Daniela. The two clicked imme- diately and their friendship is still as strong as ever. They both came from a line of strong woman role models, making it quite natural to want to showcase - women. Thus, the collaboration of Just People and the dream to celebrate women. Just People started up 2012 quite accidentally with a phone call from an eccentric gentleman requesting Cornelia to photograph him naked. Since then, the project has grown and evolved becoming a rele-vant, era specific documentation of extraordinary, ordinary people. Cornelia says herself that the project has changed her life, her way of looking at people and the way she photographs them. Just People lives in a bubble of its own, consisting of compassion, tolerance, acceptance, joy, sadness, which in retrospect has mirrored how her life is and has been over the years. People come to the project with their most intimate and cherished stories, passions and dreams to be a part of Just People. Cornelia says, “It is impossible not to listen to them. It is impossible not to photograph and document them. I just can’t ignore them”.Carolyn Siegel

Cornelia Schmidt | Just People | 2021- 58 -Photographs copyright © 2021 Cornelia SchmidtDanelia Books, Göteborg, SwedenDesign & layout: Daniela FagernäsCopywriters: Beatrice Almhagen, Giuli PerillaTranslations: Carolyn Siegel, Deborah Fronko, Marianna FaccendaThe text accompanying the photos were written by the subjects. Print: WIRmachenDRUCK GmbH, GermanyAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without permission in writing from Danelia Books. ISBN: 978-91-639-3593-0www.justpeople.se

FOLLOW THE PROJECTVisit us on www.justpeople.se, on Instagram @justpeoplephoto or on Facebook. You can also mail us at info@justpeople.seISBN: 978-91-639-3593-0The passions and destinies of these The passions and destinies of these women stand alone to tell their stories. women stand alone to tell their stories. We own our own body.We own our own body.