Thought-Provoking: Jill Greenberg’s Glass Ceiling

Now showing at ClampArt gallery in New York is Jill Greenberg's beautifully riveting series Glass Ceiling. While Greenberg is known for her incredible portraiture that includes crying babies, A-list celebrities or even cute and cuddly bears, she's equally adept at taking her camera off land and under water.

Back in 2008, Greenberg was commissioned to shoot a commercial fashion spread with the US Olympic Synchronized Swim Team, which asked the ladies to wear high heels. Struck by the absurdity of it all, Greenberg was inspired to create a fine art set that would show the “tension of her models coming to the surface gasping for air while wrestling with the weight of the water as a metaphor for the role women must play in the outside world.”

Sent to us from ClampArt gallery, here are some of photos from that thought-provoking series.


Jill Greenberg, “Untitled (Glass Ceiling 1-1017),” 2008, Courtesy of ClampArt, New York City


Jill Greenberg, “Untitled (Glass Ceiling 2-229),” 2010, Courtesy of ClampArt, New York City


Jill Greenberg, “Untitled (Glass Ceiling 2-247),” 2010, Courtesy of ClampArt, New York City


Jill Greenberg, “Untitled (Glass Ceiling 2-298),” 2010, Courtesy of ClampArt, New York City


Jill Greenberg, “Untitled (Glass Ceiling 2-428),” 2010, Courtesy of ClampArt, New York City


Jill Greenberg, “Untitled (Glass Ceiling 2-0445),” 2010, Courtesy of ClampArt, New York City


Jill Greenberg, “Untitled (Glass Ceiling 2-462),” 2010, Courtesy of ClampArt, New York City


Jill Greenberg, “Untitled (Glass Ceiling 2-1044),” 2010, Courtesy of ClampArt, New York City


Jill Greenberg, “Untitled (Glass Ceiling 2-1139),” 2010, Courtesy of ClampArt, New York City


Jill Greenberg, “Untitled (Glass Ceiling 2-1429),” 2010, Courtesy of ClampArt, New York City

If you're in New York (or passing through), you can check out this series at ClampArt gallery from now till August 19. Head to ClampArt's website for more details.

First photo credit: Jill Greenberg, “Untitled (Glass Ceiling 1-04),” 2008, Courtesy of ClampArt, New York City

Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content