Elina Brotherus – Photographs

As part of the European Month of Photography 2019, Villa Vauban presents insights into the fascinating work of Finnish artist Elina Brotherus (*1972), one of the most famous female photographers of her generation. In the form of photographic series, she deals with her biography, her body, the landscape and motifs from the history of art.

In their rigorous composition and use of light, the photographs resemble paintings. Elina Brotherus often uses the motif of the Rückenfigur (figure from the back). The settings of her photographs are calm, mostly wide landscapes or minimalist interiors. Her own person is always the subject of the photographic series, so that the artist stands both in front of and behind the camera, often symbolized by the presence of the remote shutter release. The scenes of an uncompromising, reduced aesthetic radiate melancholy, but despite their sobriety also emotion and warmth, offering the viewer manifold possibilities for association and identification.

The exhibition features works from 1998 to 2017, including the series Model Studies (2002-2008) and Artists at Work (2009).

Elina Brotherus lives and works in Helsinki and Avallon (Bourgogne). She studied chemistry and then photography at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki. Since 1997, the award-winning artist has participated in international exhibitions; her works have been included in renowned collections worldwide.