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      ‘The Women Who Changed Photography’ Chronicles 50 Trailblazing Artists

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      Shirin Neshat, “Land of Dreams” (2019), film still. © Shirin Neshat, courtesy of the artist, Gladstone Gallery, and Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and London. All images courtesy of Laurence King Publishing, shared with permission

      ‘The Women Who Changed Photography’ Chronicles 50 Trailblazing Artists

      October 16, 2024

      ArtBooksHistoryPhotography

      Kate Mothes

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      In 1929, sought-after New York fashion model Lee Miller moved to Paris to apprentice with surrealist photographer Man Ray, joining an influential circle of artists. She and Ray worked so closely together, in fact, that many of her photos have been erroneously attributed to him.

      Like many women, Miller’s work was often overshadowed by her male counterparts. A new book, The Women Who Changed Photography: And How to Master Their Techniques, marks Miller’s contribution to photography among 49 more groundbreaking artists who incorporated unique techniques blazed a trail for future generations.

      Cindy Sherman, “Untitled #577” (2016)

      From Zanele Muholi’s bold black-and-white visages to masters of disguise, like French surrealist Claude Cahun (1894-1954) and contemporary artist Cindy Sherman, identity plays a vital role in many of the practices featured.

      Iranian artist Shirin Neshat, for example, often delves into the complexities of womanhood within Islamic cultural and religious value systems. Pushpamala N. employs narrative and figuration in images that critique stereotypes of women in India.

      Released by Laurence King Publishing last month, The Women Who Changed Photography chronicles the individuals, aesthetics, and approaches that have shaped the field. Grab your copy on Bookshop.

      Pushpamala N., “Yogini F-24” (2000–2004) from Native Women of South India: Manners and Customs

      Claude Cahun, “Self Portrait (Holding Mask)” (undated)

      Julie Cockburn, “Feed the Birds (Women)” (2019)

      Shirin Neshat, “Rebellious Silence” (1994)

      Julia Margaret Cameron, portrait of Julia Jackson Duckworth (1846-1895)

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    • 163 Shares159 Views

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      An Expanded Edition of JR’s Monograph Recounts the Power of Socially Engaged Art

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      All images © JR, courtesy of Phaidon, shared with permission

      An Expanded Edition of JR’s Monograph Recounts the Power of Socially Engaged Art

      October 4, 2024

      ArtBooksSocial Issues

      Jackie Andres

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      Traveling to different regions across the globe, French artist JR envisions grand projects that call to humanitarian issues and collective action. At the forefront of his practice is a persistent query, rooted in a palpable yearning for change and strong belief in the power of art.

      JR: Can Art Change the World? chronicles the artist’s phenomenal range of participatory efforts, from mural-laden buildings to photographic installations to performance art. Originally published in 2015 and later updated in 2019, an even newer edition featuring a half-decade of JR’s latest works is slated for release by Phaidon later this month. The 2024 version includes a whopping 390 photos and illustrations, as well as a foreword by George Lucas.

      Among the four new chapters included in the expansion, you might recognize more recent projects such as “Tehachapi,” a poignant collection of murals focused on the lives of incarcerated individuals, and impressive optical illusions from the artist’s ongoing “Trompe l’œil” series.

      Pre-order JR: Can Art Change the World? in the Colossal Shop to be one of the first to page through the monograph.

      Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member now, and support independent arts publishing.

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    • 188 Shares179 Views

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      A New Book Chronicling the Artist-Designed Billboard Project For Freedoms Poses a Critical Question

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      JR, “Migrants, Mayra, Picnic across the border, Tecate, Mexico—U.S.A.” (2017). Salome, Arizona. Photo by Josh Haunschild

      A New Book Chronicling the Artist-Designed Billboard Project For Freedoms Poses a Critical Question

      September 18, 2024

      Art Books Social Issues

      Jackie Andres

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      Where do we go from here? At a point in history that feels so turbulent and unpredictable, this unresolved question sits at the forefront of many minds. For Freedoms, an artist-led organization channeling its efforts toward creative civic engagement and direct action, is set to release its first-ever monograph, fittingly named after the query.

      For Freedoms: Where Do We Go From Here? is a comprehensive 340-page collection of more than 550 artist-designed billboards from the last seven years. You might notice some familiar names involved in the project, such as Hank Willis Thomas, JR, and Nari Ward. Whether it be a pair of eyes staring straight forward, an impactful question directed toward the viewer, or the simplicity of the word “human being” in Arabic, each design leaves its audience to reflect on the issue at hand.

      Marilyn Minter, “If Not Now When?” (2020). Boring, Oregon. Photo by Lincoln Barbour

      Popping up in different corners of the United States from rural areas to urban centers, the works tackle a multitude of societal challenges and humanitarian crises that require urgency and advocacy.

      In contrast to a billboard’s usual profit-driven, commercial function, the large-scale structures instead become poignant messages in line with For Freedoms’ overall mission. By spotlighting short but compelling phrases, powerful imagery, and clever placement, the public installations act as a force for widespread movement.

      For Freedoms: Where Do We Go From Here? is slated for release on October 15, just before the 2024 election. Pre-order yours on Bookshop, and learn more on the organization’s website.

      Christine Sun Kim, “Words Shape Reality” (2018). Jefferson City, Missouri. Photo by Notley Hawkins

      Nari Ward, “Mass Action” (2016). Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Wyatt GalleryS

      Ross McDonnell, “DREAM” (2023). Los Angeles, California. Photo by Taisuke Yamada

      Hank Willis Thomas, “Who Taught You To Love?” (2020). Des Moines, Iowa. Photo by Jeff Scroggins More