Contemporary artist Jennifer Loeber has created a powerful photography series called "VERHEXEN" that draws striking parallels between the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and today's attacks on women's reproductive rights. The project presents the historic witch trials not as an isolated event, but as a blueprint for the ongoing persecution of women throughout American history.
Grounded in extensive academic research, Loeber's work takes historical testimonies from the witch trials and places them in a modern context. She uses various objects as symbolic metaphors to create a direct connection between the persecutions of the past and contemporary assaults on women's bodily autonomy. The artist combines documentary photography techniques with conceptual art practices, incorporating archival materials to create a comprehensive examination of how justice systems have been used to punish women.
"VERHEXEN" employs what Loeber calls "investigative irony" to dissect the theatrical nature of punitive justice systems. The series features portraits of modern women who identify as witches, serving as the central anchor for the entire body of work. These contemporary portraits are complemented by carefully staged reconstructions that recreate alleged offenses from the historical witch trials, bringing centuries-old accusations into sharp visual focus.
The project also includes forensic-style documentation of various artifacts, including traditional witch bottles and historical abortifacients. These objects are photographed and presented in a manner that evokes criminological evidence, creating an unsettling parallel between historical "proof" of witchcraft and modern debates over women's healthcare choices. This visual approach deliberately challenges viewers to distinguish between established facts and constructed fiction.
Through her artistic lens, Loeber compels audiences to confront the irrational reasoning that was historically used to condemn innocent women. She argues that this same type of flawed logic continues to echo in today's news headlines, particularly in legislation and rhetoric that criminalizes reproductive choice. The artist demonstrates how witch hunt rhetoric has evolved from its original function as a tool for women's persecution to its modern repurposing for male exoneration in various contexts.
Loeber's work reveals what she sees as a continuous pattern of patriarchal control throughout American history. While the specific evidence and accusations may have changed over the centuries, she argues that the underlying power structures remain fundamentally the same. The series aims to give voice to the countless stories of victims who have been silenced by the passage of time and societal indifference.
The "VERHEXEN" series represents a significant contribution to contemporary discussions about women's rights and historical persecution. Loeber's project will reach an even wider audience when it is published as a comprehensive monograph by Kehrer Verlag, with the book scheduled for release in 2026. More information about the artist and her work can be found at her official website.
