Alice Austen was one of the prominent early female photographers in New York and in the broader U.S. Her photography was enhanced by her identity as a Victorian woman going against the social norms of the era; she was queer, had a long term relationship with another woman, biked, and participated in sports.
Her subject matters included every day people in New York City and her close ones. I think some of her most influential photography included ones with women as the subject. She depicted women, as well as herself, biking, smoking, being intimate (platonic and romantic) with other women, and being athletic.
The image above was taken by Austen in 1895 for the book “Bicycling for Ladies.” This photo, the book, and Alice Austen’s personal hobby as a cyclist allowed for more women to embrace bicycles. This was part of the slow shift of social norms within women’s fight for increased autonomy.
These photos are still relevant today because of the depictions of women actively challenging the status quo. These photographs are an important reminder of how far women’s rights have come and how important it is for New York to continue to fight for women’s rights. The same goes for the rights of the LBGTQIA+ community. Her identity and subject matter in photos have allowed for the Alice Austen House to be a safe space for women and queer people on Staten Island and New York. For example, my high school’s Stonewall Club in Staten Island has partnerships with the Alice Austen House and they have provided events, resources, and photography materials for the club. Overall, Alice Austen and her continued legacy have been incredibly powerful for women and queer people in New York City.
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