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Artists research: Francesca Woodman

While exploring the use of photography during this project I was inspired by a photographer named Francesca Woodman who was born in Colorado in 1958, her photographs were self portraits which ties into our overall project and they were often taken semi nude in abandoned buildings and captured movement.

The first image I have chosen to talk about features a blurred Woodman in a derelict building, her body is blurred and she is facing away from the camera, and I believe that the unknown location and paired with a somewhat unidentifiable subject invokes an atmosphere of mystery throughout the image. the monochrome, black and white tones and colours allow there to be a stark and exaggerated contrast between the lighter and darker colours that can be seen. I think that the lone figure combines with the peeling paint and dirty floor add a feeling of chaos to the photo and the dark, unfocused figure adds an undertone of uneasiness. while looking at this image I was inspire with imagery of the occult and paranormal horror movies, and believe that the lack of shoes and bare feet on the floor add to this atmosphere while providing a sort of primal energy in the image. I think that the way the camera is positioned and the photo has been taken adds a voyeuristic element to the photo and makes it seem as if the viewer is peering in to see something that they shouldn't.

In the second photograph Woodman is staring at the camera and the viewer, to me she seems out of place in this photo, she is dressed up nicely and her hands are positioned elegantly, reminiscent of a ballerina, or a porcelain doll that has been meticulously placed and positioned, she doesn't fit in and provides a disconnect and contrast to her run down surroundings. I believe that the door that has been left ajar and the gaping black void that seems to be seeping into the room invokes an atmosphere of unease and threat, however, her arms reaching out towards the emptiness provide a sense of longing for something that we can't see or something that is no longer there, leaving the viewer feeling as empty as the void within the image. I believe that her eye contact with the camera allows the viewer to connect with the piece and form a relationship with the subject, the viewer is able to see her expression and emotions and connect with her on a personal level.







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