Francesca Woodman: Italian Works

The exhibition features works made in Italy by the photographer Francesca Woodman, including pieces from her “Eel Series,” created in Venice in 1978 and images shot during the period she spent in Rome at the Rhode Island School of Design’s European Honors programme (1977-78). The works exhibited highlight the fusion between elements of Italian classicism, that deeply influenced Woodman’s production, and her research to re-elaborate them, extending her use of narrative and performative strategies.

The period considered proved pivotal in the photographer’s career. Of these years are the series “Self-deceit”, 1978, characterised by scenarios in which the artist uses her own naked body referencing classical and surrealist sculptural poses, “Angel”, which she commenced in Providence but extended in works made in the Cerere, and “Eel Series,” 1978, likely created in Venice on one of her frequent visits to the city.