“Darling, crack a smile”…  How often have you had that said to you while you were minding your own business? Photographer Mia Mala McDonald and needlwork artist Catherine Tipping had enough. So they created the joint exhibition Why Doesn’t She Crack A Smile?

The result is an impressive series of portraits adorned with powerful needlework creations. Each portrait links to a personal experience. It aims to strike up a conversation. To let us reflect on such situations. And above all, touch on the underlying tensions and reactions to the politics of feminism.

Mia Mala McDonald is a Melbourne based photographer. Publications like the Guardian, the New York Times and Frankie Magazine featured her work. Mia exhibited at the National Gallery of Victoria in the Melbourne Now show. And she also exhibited in various group and solo shows. Mia has a deep interest in people and the way they behave. She always aims to disclose intimate personal narratives in her photography.

Fiber artist Catherine Tipping creates interesting and multi layered works. So her labors of love through result in stunning embroidery pieces. Check out Catherine’s other needlework and fine jewellery design here.