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Michele Zousmer is a visionary fine art photographer who uses her camera as a powerful instrument to amplify the voices of individuals and communities often marginalized by society. 

In her latest work, Michele Zousmer delves into the feminization of aging, capturing the harsh realities faced by many elderly women abandoned in Romania and Bulgaria. These women often live in isolated rural communities, housed in crumbling remnants of former collective farms.

Far removed from family and support networks, they struggle to survive on meager pensions that barely cover their daily food needs. The conditions are dire, and Zousmer recounts how deeply unsettling it was to witness these women preparing for the harsh winter entirely on their own.

More info: michelezousmer.com | Instagram

#1

Elderly woman in a scarf at a table with mushrooms, depicting vulnerability of aging women.

Michele Zousmer Report

Gail fox
Community Member
Premium
8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shrooms anyone?

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    #2

    An elderly woman in a headscarf and woolen socks sits on a rug with a cat, illustrating the vulnerability of aging.

    Michele Zousmer Report

    "It saddens me that these people are spending their last years enduring such poverty, living alone and isolated! Few of us are prepared for the complexities of managing the last years of our lives," Zousmer shared about this photography project on her website.

    "As we live longer, we all will be facing challenges. But these challenges were extreme for the abandoned elderly in Romania and Bulgaria," she added.

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    #4

    Elderly couple sitting together, smiling, in front of a rustic wooden background, highlighting the vulnerability of aging women.

    Michele Zousmer Report

    Pagan squirrel
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice carpentry! They look like lovely people who have worked hard.

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    #5

    Elderly woman in patterned attire, sitting by a table with walnuts, illustrating the vulnerability of aging women.

    Michele Zousmer Report

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    #6

    Hands holding a vintage photo, symbolizing the vulnerability of aging women.

    Michele Zousmer Report

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    #8

    An elderly woman stands by a stove, holding a kettle, illustrating the vulnerability of aging women.

    Michele Zousmer Report

    Pagan squirrel
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Total opposite of my cluttered kitchen! Lady looks deep in thought

    #9

    Elderly woman in a dark room, wearing a hooded jacket, peeling potatoes.

    Michele Zousmer Report

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    #11

    Elderly couple sitting on a bed in a modest room, conveying the vulnerability of aging women.

    Michele Zousmer Report

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    #12

    Elderly woman in profile, wearing a black hood, holding orange flowers, capturing vulnerability of aging.

    Michele Zousmer Report

    #13

    Aging woman seated outside a rustic wooden house, reflecting vulnerability and strength.

    Michele Zousmer Report

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    #14

    An elderly woman sitting in a dimly lit rustic room, conveying the vulnerability of aging women.

    Michele Zousmer Report

    RLD
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Let me tell you a story.

    #15

    Elderly woman in black stands at a blue door, holding a cane, illustrating the vulnerability of aging women.

    Michele Zousmer Report

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    #16

    An elderly woman sitting on a porch conveying the vulnerability of aging, as a man stands nearby in a rustic setting.

    Michele Zousmer Report

    #17

    Elderly woman sitting on steps, surrounded by firewood, conveying the vulnerability of aging women.

    Michele Zousmer Report

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    #18

    An elderly woman harvesting corn, highlighting the vulnerability of aging women amidst dried stalks.

    Michele Zousmer Report

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    #19

    Elderly woman sitting in a dimly lit room, conveying the vulnerability of aging through her expression and surroundings.

    Michele Zousmer Report

    #20

    Elderly woman in a headscarf holding dried flowers, expressing vulnerability of aging, photographed by Michele Zousmer.

    Michele Zousmer Report

    Gail fox
    Community Member
    Premium
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still lovely

    #21

    An elderly woman with a headscarf, illustrating vulnerability and aging, stands at a wooden doorway gazing into the distance.

    Michele Zousmer Report

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    #22

    Aging woman peeling corn in a dimly lit room, conveying vulnerability and resilience.

    Michele Zousmer Report

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    #23

    An elderly woman gathers corn in a field, highlighting the vulnerability of aging women.

    Michele Zousmer Report