Publisher's Synopsis
Since its foundation in 2004, the Sammlung Verbund has, as part of its focus on the feminist avant-garde of the 1970s, acquired 65 photographs by Francesca Woodman (1958-1981), more than ten of which have never been published. This book breaks away from the common perception that Francesca Woodman anticipated her early death in her work. Instead, a new horizon of interpretation is opened up. For the first time, her photographs are read in the context of the photographic tableaux vivant. Francesca Woodman uses her body, both as medium and protagonist, and devotes herself to two genres that are traditionally associated with femininity: the female nude and the tableau vivant. In addition, her vintage prints are examined for the first time, as well as her specific placement of the image on the photographic paper. The playful, often surreal and symbolic gestures in Francesca Woodman's work show her curiosity for the feminine self. Her photographs pose questions on this theme, suggest answers and reflect on a specific ambivalence towards being a woman. All of the photographs are reproduced in their original sizes for the first time.
