Francesca Woodman: Portrait of a Reputation by Nora Burnett Abrams and Drew Sawyer

The new book about the late talented photographer Frances Woodman - Francesca Woodman: Portrait of a Reputation by Nora Burnett Abrams and Drew Sawyer is an empowering collection of works that invites its readers to explore various possibly undiscovered places in their subconciousness.  

The 8.5” x 11” hardcover book presents an early episode in the artistic life of American artist Francesca Woodman (1958-81). Featuring over 40 unique, vintage prints, as well as notes, letters, postcards, and other ephemera related to the artist’s burgeoning career, this exhibition details Woodman’s creative coming-of-age.

Francesca Woodman, Untitled photograph, circa1975-1978. Gelatin silver print, 97/8 x 7 7/8 inches.George Lange Collection.Image courtesy George Lange© Estate of Francesca Woodman / Charles Woodman / Artist Rights Society (ARS),New York

Francesca Woodman: Portrait of a Reputation is both very grounded and haunting at the same time. Grounded, because it have a very specific and strong voice. The photos all speak for themselves. You can immediately tell that this photographer have a very specific vision while creating these haunting photographs included in the book. The photos linger and follow you like a shadow throughout the day. They invite you to think, to reflect, and to connect your personal experiences with the quiet narratives embedded within her compositions.

Francesca Woodman,Francesca Woodman exhibition postcard, postmarked November 7, 1978.Postcard,5 3/7 x 3 1/2 inches.George Lange Collection. Image courtesy George Lange© Estate of Francesca Woodman / CharlesWoodman / Artist Rights Society (ARS),New York.

This book definitely considers how Woodman came into developing her creative voice at such a young age. Ranging from portraits in her studio/apartment in college to self-portraits in the bucolic Colorado landscape in which she was raised, these works capture Woodman's hallmark approach to art making: enigmatic, rigorous, and poignant. It offers an in depth study of this groundbreaking artist with such a strong, solid voice in her photography.

Francesca Woodman, Untitled photograph, circa 1975-1978. Gelatin silver print. George Lange Collection. Image courtesy George Lange© Estate of FrancescaWoodman / CharlesWoodman / Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York.

There are definitely hints of Deborah Turbeville in Woodman’s works. However, Woodman’s is definitely more grounded and slightly less ethereal. Hints of Man Ray and Duane Michals are also evident but Woodman has her voice set. She has a very poignant approach and a specific perspective in approaching her subjects.  

rancesca Woodman, Untitledphotograph,circa 1975-1978.Gelatin silver print, 5x 7 inches.George Lange Collection.Image courtesy George Lange© Estate ofFrancesca Woodman / Charles Woodman / Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York.

Overall, this beautiful book is like a time machine that will transport you to her world, while she was creating art, prior to her early death at the age of 22. It is astounding that even 38 years after her death Francesca Woodman’s legacy as an artist continues. It’s a good read, a god book that can take you away from your reality, even for just a bit.