Untouched Copy and The Book of Backgrounds in Bridging the Distance
Molloy, Caroline (2021) Untouched Copy and The Book of Backgrounds in Bridging the Distance. [Exhibition/show, Photography]
- Images
- Details
The Photography studio has traditionally been considered a space in which the aspirations and desires of the sitter in the studio portrait are signified in the portrait mise-en-scene. There is an easily made connection between the props and backdrop seen in early studio photographs and the forms of representation seen in classic portrait painting - such as the pillar and curtain - which were used to denote the wealth, status and class of the sitter.
Molloy's work in this group exhibition, brings together two of her bodies of work. One is Untouched Copy (2008-11) that documents faded patina of photography backdrops in Kerala (India). The other is studioscapes in The Book of Backgrounds (2016-20), in which Molloy rebuilds original cartes de visite without sitters, to reveal the studio backdrop. In bringing together these works, Molloy makes the connection between the legacy of early studio photography and its colonial exportation to India.
Actions (login required)
 |
Edit View |