FRANCESCA WOODMAN (Denver, Colorado, 1958-New... Lot 35

FRANCESCA WOODMAN (Denver, Colorado, 1958-New York, 1981). "Space2," Providence, Rhode Island, 1976. Gelatin silver print. Later printed by Igor Bakht, stamp on reverse. Signed by George and Betty Woodman, annotated n. 17 "For Igor Kind Ryards" in pencil. PE/FW credit stamp on verso. Provenance: Foster Glasgow private collection. Measurements: 13.5 x 13.5 cm (image); 26.2 x 21.5 cm (paper). Francesca Woodman made this series in Providence, where she was a student, after having spent some time in Rome (on a scholarship). In the "Space2" series, Woodman photographs herself interacting with architectural spaces, often dilapidated or abandoned. She uses these spaces not only as settings, but as active elements of the composition. Walls, doors and windows become an integral part of the images, interacting with her body in symbolic and visual ways. Woodman uses spaces that evoke a sense of abandonment that contrast with her physical presence, adding a layer of tension and vulnerability to the images. Francesca Woodman was an American photographer known for her intimate black and white self-portraits. She graduated from Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Fine Arts in Providence. Her photography is characterized primarily by the use of a single model, usually nude. It was usually her, but in various photographs she portrayed several of her friends. The body captured by the camera was usually in motion, due to long exposure times, or the image was not sharp. He also used other techniques, such as masking himself or trying to blend in with the objects or the environment itself. She was born into a family of artists. From an early age, together with her brother Charles Woodman, she was introduced to the art world by her parents, George Woodman and Betty Woodman, who were both visual artists. Today, they manage an archive of more than 800 images of their daughter, 120 of which have been exhibited or published. She belongs to the generation of avant-garde women of the 1970s who claimed their contribution and vision of the world, which also includes activist artists such as Cindy Sherman, Martha Rosler or Ana Mendieta.