L7/From Angel Series

About the Art

A young woman is shown caught in blurred upward motion. Her black stockinged legs contrast against the light reflecting off the stone floor from large windows in the background. White fabric ripples lightly behind her, contributing to this sense of lift, of the ability to alight and to fly, despite the heavy, stone warehouse that makes up most of the image. Note the gradations of black and white fueled by cavernous ceilings and strong sunlight.

Woodman’s experimentations with self-portraiture and use of herself as subject have influenced photographers since exhibitions in 1986. Her work only gained recognition after she died by suicide at 22-years-old, spurred by the tragic story of her death—she struggled with depression exacerbated by disinterest in her photography during her lifetime. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by texting or calling 988.

FEATURED IMAGE
Francesca Woodman (American, 1958–1981), L7/From Angel Series, printed 1997, gelatin silver print, 15 x 17 inches (38.1 x 43.2 cm). Gift of Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell, 2026.27