Francesca Woodman: exhibition of photos

Today, Francesca Woodman is known in the circle of photography enthusiasts as the author of many unusual works, in which shadows and sunlight flare intricately intertwine, and the faces of models are often hidden by a mysterious veil. Specialists consider her work as original and talented.

Photos made many years ago, today are exhibited in many famous galleries. But, unfortunately, during her lifetime Francesca could only dream of fame and recognition. She dreamed! But not all desires are destined to come true in time.

Way to the dream

Francesca Woodman (1958 - 1981) was born in American Denver (Colorado) in a family of talented artists. She wanted to create from childhood, simply not imagining a different fate for herself.

She got carried away shooting at 14 years old. In 1975, she entered the design department in Rhode Island, and a couple of years later she went on to study in Italy. In Rome, Francesca quickly got acquainted with artists and intellectuals, she was very useful in knowing the language. Already in those years she worked on the creation of a portfolio, which in the future should help her find a good place.

A series of failures

Francesca Woodman returned to the States in 1978 and settled in New York. However, youthful dreams did not come true. Her work did not bring her success, not a single publication offered her cooperation.

For a long time a young talented photo artist continued her search, but personal failures were added to professional failures. The result was a deep depression.

The only exhibition of photographs

The opportunity to present their creations to the audience of Francesca fell out only once. It can not be said that this was a real exhibition, rather a publication. The artist herself created a compilation, which was published under the title "Some samples of disordered internal geometry." It happened in 1981, which turned out to be fatal for a young girl.

Sad fame

Many creative people are affected by passions. A series of disappointments, both in professional and in personal life, played a decisive role in the fate of a young talented photo artist. Francesca Woodman at some point realized that she could not cope with the setbacks.

She wanted recognition and fame, I wanted my favorite business to bring in income, which would allow not to engage in boring uninteresting work.

However, her work did not find a response in the hearts of harsh critics. On January 19, 1981, she stepped into the void from the high-rise loft in Manhattan, in which she previously rented a house, and was killed to death.

Only after that the world of art really heard the name Francesca Woodman. After the tragic death of the 22-year-old artist, her pictures finally paid attention to which they were worthy.

The dream of a lifetime has finally come true. But Francesca herself did not know about the attention that her prints and negatives had attracted.

The Legacy of Francesca

When inspecting the apartment, which lived before the death of Woodman, it was discovered a huge amount of footage. Operatives found about 10 thousand negatives and a huge number of photos.

According to experts, the works were really worthy of praise. Francesca shot in high and low key, playing with shadows and highlights. Among the photographs was a considerable number of self-portraits. Francesca arranged light and props, and then posed for herself.

Her work is very sincere. But to solve them completely is impossible. The faces of the models are often deliberately blurred or darkened, hidden under a flicker of mystery. This incredible mixture of frankness and understatement is even more incredible, considering the age of the girl. Looking at the pictures, you can more likely imagine that they are made by a person who has lived for many years and has experience.

The photographs show that Francesca Woodman did not recognize the patterns. She was looking for her own ways, using props in the most bizarre way. In her works there is an unusual use of mirrors, windows and various surfaces, with which the main subject of photography is highlighted and emphasized.

Long-awaited recognition

The first full-fledged exhibition of photographs of Francesca took place soon after her death. Today, the artist's black and white surreal works can be seen in the most prestigious museums and galleries.

Her works can be seen in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, in the Helsinki City Art Museum , the Guggenheim Museum and many others.