NEW YORK, UNITED STATES, February 2026 / — Australian author and historian Anita Selzer has been named the winner of the 2026 Independent Press Award in the Fine Arts category in New York for her book The Female Gaze in Art and Photography. The international award recognises outstanding books published by independent presses and honours titles that make meaningful contributions to their fields.
Selzer’s work examines how women artists have historically viewed and represented the world through their own perspectives, often challenging long-standing conventions within art history. Through historical research and biographical storytelling, the book highlights the experiences and creative achievements of women artists whose work has not always received the recognition it deserves.
“My aim in writing The Female Gaze in Art and Photography was to explore how women artists interpret the world through their own lived experiences,” Selzer says. “For much of history, women faced barriers to training, exhibition opportunities and professional recognition, yet their work continued to shape visual culture in important ways.”
The book explores the lives and artistic practices of women working across different periods and cultural contexts. By examining the idea of the female gaze, Selzer’s research considers how women artists have portrayed identity, society, and the human experience from perspectives often absent from traditional art narratives.
Selzer says the project grew out of a long-standing interest in women’s history and the arts.
“I have always been interested in the stories that sit quietly behind the better-known narratives,” she explains. “When you begin looking closely at the lives of women artists, you discover remarkable creativity and resilience. Many of them continued to produce important work even when the art world did not fully recognise their contributions.”
The Independent Press Award is an international literary award program that celebrates the work of independent publishers across a wide range of categories, including fiction, nonfiction, education, history and the arts. The program highlights books that demonstrate strong research, originality and cultural relevance.
Selzer’s recognition in the Fine Arts category adds to the growing international interest in her work, which focuses on uncovering overlooked histories, particularly those relating to women in art and culture.
She continues to develop the Female Gaze series, with further volumes planned that will explore additional artists across different historical periods.
To learn more about Selzer’s work, visit
https://anitaselzerauthor.com.au/
About the Author
Anita Selzer is an author whose research and writing focus on uncovering overlooked stories of women throughout history. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in History, a Diploma of Education, a Master’s degree in Education, a PhD in Education, and a Graduate Diploma in Women’s Studies. Selzer previously taught English and Politics before serving as an Executive Officer in Women’s Affairs in the Victorian Premier’s Department.
Anita Selzer is available for interviews.
