Bellemma

Broadhead's women 2014 | Oxford Photography exhibition 2014

09:07

Good afternoon,

As this blog is for all things that interest me, I thought I would upload my review/analysis of an exhibition I saw on the weekend. There was a photography exhibition near me and this particular collection immediately caught my eye. It's not perfected but I really enjoyed thinking about Broadhead's work and how it is appropriate to my life and particularly my art project at the moment. Enjoy.

DISCLAIMER: none of these images do not belong to me.

Broadhead’s women 2014 – Maisie Maud Broadhead. Oxford Photography exhibition 2014

Broadhead studied numerous mediums of art including ceramics, metal, wood, plastics and silverwork. She went on to make objects such as jewellery and glass cushions. With this vast experience behind her, she started taking photos of her work and thereafter developing a unique style of photography. Her exhibition ‘Broadhead’s women 2014’ is inspired by photographs by the works of 17th Century Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer.

Broadhead’s photographs capture women lost in quiet, tender moments whilst they are surrounded by domestic scenery. They have a very individual quality, reminiscent of genuine paintings, achieving this by spraying mist into the room when taking the photos. Each scene has been set up very specifically, with interesting contrasts between the modern and old fashioned styles and utilities. This photograph on the right (Women with Laundry) captures an obviously modern scene, with a laptop resting (somewhat precariously) on top of a pile of clothes and books. Regardless of this up to date setting, the woman looks somewhat longingly out of the window. There is a distinctly forlorn look on her face as she turns her head towards the light window. This perhaps is showing the parallels between the modern era and times in history whereby women have been significantly suppressed and made to remain inside with a domestic role. It is interesting how we view ourselves to be in a more liberal and equal society in the 21^st century; Broadhead is potentially showing that situations may not have changed as much as we hoped they had.

We see these links again with the photograph on the left (Woman taking a break). Again, we see the subject look with pensiveness out of the brightly lit window. It leads the audience to wonder what she is looking at and the thoughts she is thinking. It is notable that Broadhead has chosen to have an old fashioned Bakelite phone directly next to the iPhone being clutched in the woman’s hand (which has been forgotten as she indulges in momentary daydream). We also see this contrast in the clothing she wears; an obviously modern, new uniform with a somewhat scruffy scarf draped over her shoulders in an almost goddess like manner.

This last photograph (top right) was inspired by Vermeer’s painting ‘Woman with a Pearl Necklace’ (bottom right). There is certainly evidence of careful planning behind this replica. Firstly, the colours which have been sensitively been picked out and highlighted in Broadhead’s version. However, more importantly in my opinion, is how the beautiful light coming through the window has been copied. This could represent the freedom of the outside world and the darkness inside which has to be lit up. It is also stunning how the light falls on the objects of the pieces, revealing only what is necessary and - in Vermeer’s painting especially - there is a mysterious element due to the lack of light in the foreground.