Francesca Woodman was born in 1958 in Colorado, US, and is known for her black and white blurred photography work. Growing up, Woodman spent many summers in Italy, and created a lot of her work in Florence before moving to New York. While trying to make it as a photographer, Woodman was suffering with her mental health which eventually lead to her suicide at the young age of 22.
Along with her usual subject matter of the naked human body, Woodman used particular camera techniques which make her work so recognisable. For example, by using a longer shutter speed, her photographs often appear blurred or distorted, creating an eerie and sinister atmosphere, while suggesting motion/movement of the models.
I have been looking a lot into Francesca Woodman’s work recently after attending the Body as a Material workshop due to personal interest. While looking at her photography, I noticed she worked a lot with mirrors – linking to the theme of self reflection. I am also interested in the way Woodman uses herself and empty space in her photography and performance work.
Below are stills from a performance video by Woodman which shows her naked body behind a plastic sheet. She writes on to the front of the sheet (backwards for her), and continues to rip through the material. I was inspired the materials transparency, and the idea of hiding yet barely being seen. It makes me think of recovery from illness, and displaying strength by breaking through this barrier. Watching this piece was one of the first influences for my development work in my 3D project as I was drawn to the stillness of the piece despite it being a destructive act.
ninamcmullanHND 