Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron on show at Nation Portrait Gallery, London
The National Portrait Gallery hosts a groundbreaking exhibition featuring the works of Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron, two pioneering photographers whose careers spanned a century apart. Titled “Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron: Portraits to Dream In,” this exhibition promises to be a revelatory experience, juxtaposing over 160 rare vintage prints from both artists’ oeuvres for the very first time.
Running from March 21st to June 16th, 2024, this major retrospective will showcase the evolution of these photographers’ careers, highlighting both their iconic pieces and lesser-known gems. Among the highlights are Francesca Woodman’s artist’s books, never before seen in the UK, offering a unique glimpse into her creative process.
What sets this exhibition apart is its thematic exploration of Woodman and Cameron’s works beyond the confines of biography. Instead, it focuses on the physicality of the prints themselves, underscoring the integral role printmaking played in both artists’ practices. While technical perfection was not their aim, the act of printing was a vital aspect of their creative expression, pushing the boundaries of photographic imagery.
The selection process for the exhibition involved meticulous curatorial research, resulting in loans from prestigious institutions such as the Getty Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Additionally, prints by Francesca Woodman, some never before exhibited, were generously loaned by the Woodman Family Foundation in New York, in collaboration with Tate and the Rhode Island School of Design.
The exhibition’s title, “Portraits to Dream In,” encapsulates the dreamlike quality inherent in both Woodman and Cameron’s work. Through themes like appearance, identity, and mythology, they transport viewers into a realm where reality blurs with the fantastical. This thematic approach is further enhanced by the display’s organization, which moves seamlessly between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as within the brief span of each artist’s career.
Visitors will encounter key works that mark the genesis of each artist’s distinct style, from Cameron’s early successes to Woodman’s experimental self-portraits. Themes like angels, mythology, and femininity will be explored through a juxtaposition of Woodman’s abstracted Angel series and Cameron’s more traditional portrayals.
Notable pieces include Woodman’s enigmatic “Polka Dots #5” and “House #3,” alongside Cameron’s ethereal portraits of British actress Ellen Terry. Woodman’s exploration of the caryatid motif, a series she embarked on shortly before her untimely death, will also be showcased, shedding light on her innovative approach to form and representation.
Moreover, the exhibition will provide insight into Woodman’s practice through contact sheets and examples of her artist’s books, offering a deeper understanding of her creative journey. Cameron’s most beloved portraits, including those of her niece Julia Jackson and astronomer John Frederick William Herschel, will round out the collection, offering a comprehensive view of her contribution to the medium.
“Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron: Portraits to Dream In” promises to be a transformative experience, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the ethereal worlds crafted by these two visionary photographers. By transcending the boundaries of time and biography, this exhibition celebrates their enduring impact on the art of portraiture.
