Francesca Woodman

Francesca Woodman
Self-portrait, Easter, Rome, 1978
Gelatin silver estate print
27.9 x 35.6 cm
11 x 14 inches
© Charles Woodman. Courtesy Charles Woodman, and Victoria Miro, London/Venice.

 

Francesca Woodman was born in Denver, Colorado in 1958. Her father was a painter and photographer, and her mother was a sculptor and ceramicist. So, she grew up in an environment filled with artistic inspiration and began taking photographs at age thirteen. Woodman went on to study at the Rhode Island School of Design from 1975-1978, where most of her work was produced as a student. She gained inspiration from surrealists such as Man Ray and Méret Oppenheim. 

Woodman is famously known for photographing herself, either semi-nude or fully in the nude. Woodman also used objects, motion, long-exposure times, slow shutter speeds and light manipulation in order to obscure her figure. Much of Woodman’s photographs were taken in old, ruined buildings. She carefully chose props and vintage clothing in order to incorporate mystery and timelessness. Through photographing herself, Woodman questioned ideas of self, gender, sexuality, body image and identity in society. 

Following a move to New York in 1979, Woodman committed suicide on January 19, 1981. After her tragic passing, Woodman received high recognition and went on to inspire countless artists- including Cindy Sherman and Sophie Calle. Despite Woodman’s short career, she proved to be an innovator in the world of photography who developed a distinct style and voice at a very young age. 

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