Directing light

lois weber

The woman dropping moral grenades

Acrylic, oil and charcoal on paper

60 × 40 cm

This portrait honors pioneering filmmaker Lois Weber (1879–1939) — one of the first women to direct in Hollywood, and among the most socially engaged artists of her era. She confronted subjects such as reproductive rights, poverty, and moral conflict long before they were socially permissible. The circular motif refers to contraception — a symbol of autonomy she championed through her films. Though a brilliant director, writer, and producer, history muted her light for decades. Here, I bring her back — in vibrant colours, metallic echoes, and layered texture — to make her visible again, in the very light she once created.

DSCF0337.jpeg
DSCF0335.jpeg
DSCF0336.jpeg

The Naked Truth: Lois Weber’s Cinematic Bombshell

In 1915, Lois Weber dropped a moral grenade called Hypocrites. While most of Hollywood was still playing with shadows and sentiment, she aimed straight at society’s double standards. The film revealed “The Naked Truth” — literally — a radiant female figure who strips away the sanctimony of priests, politicians, and polite company alike. It was banned, censored, and denounced — which only proved Weber’s point. With fearless allegory and visual daring, she made cinema itself confess.