Francesca Woodman, Untitled, Rome Italy. 1977 – 1978/2006. Black and white gelatin silver print on barite paper. 15.1 x 14.9 cm / 25.1 x 20.2 cm. Copyright courtesy George and Betty Woodman, New York / Sammlung Verbund, Wien
Published in conjunction with Sammlung Verbund’s comprehensive exhibition of late photographer Francesca Woodman (until May 21, 2014 in Vienna), this monograph collects the images that turned her into an iconic figure, and also present a new way of reading her visual language as it was up to her tragic death at the age of 22.
The book features 193 photographs, and follows Woodman’s work in both her US and European studios, focusing on her play with mises-en-scène and her fascination with perceptions of the female. Since only a limited amount is known about the photographer, this monograph offers the space for readers to attempt to piece together the inner thoughts of a young woman and promising photographer. Only the time and place of each photograph is revealed, in a sense perpetuating the secrets and mystery that surround the photographer’s work. The photographs shown in this monologue represent the beauty and confusion surrounding the human form, and at the same time celebrate Woodman’s playfulness in staging stories and creating personas.
Supporting texts by Betsy Berne, Elisabeth Bronfen, and feminist theorist Abigail Solomon-Godeau introduce Woodman’s story, referencing her work in the context of fellow photographers of her generation. In sum, a beautiful way into the mystery.
Taken from Sleek 41 “What & Why”