The glass ceiling is an invisible yet real artificial barrier that prevents women from reaching the highest executive and managerial positions, even when they possess the necessary experience, education, and competencies. Unlike objective obstacles, this barrier is linked to unstated stereotypes, hidden discrimination, and bias within corporate culture.
A woman might be passed over for promotion due to an unconscious belief that she is «too soft» or, conversely, «too ambitious”—that she will soon take maternity leave or cannot handle stress. This is precisely why there are still significantly fewer female CEOs and top executives globally, and this situation is often termed the „glass ceiling“ because the pinnacle of a career is visible, but women are artificially prevented from reaching it, shattering against an invisible barrier.
The metaphor of an invisible yet sturdy career barrier is translated into a physical plane: the heroines smash their faces against a glass surface. Distorted features, fear, grimaces of struggle, or anger capture the moment of conflict between a woman’s ambitions and the rigidity of systemic constraints.
Thirteen images are arranged in a circle—a symbol of cyclicity. The number 13 references the twelve apostles and Mary Magdalene, who was excluded from the canon.
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Backstage and video from the exhibition