Portraits and collaborations: a reflection on the work of Wendy Ewald

Author: Hyde, Katherine

Source: Visual Studies, Volume 20, Number 2, 01Oct2005 , pp. 172-190(19)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This reflection on the work of Wendy Ewald as a photographer, storyteller and teacher highlights Ewald's methodology, her manner of presenting work and her images. First, in describing Ewald's artistic practice, I discuss the innovative ways she collaborates with children, sharing control over the process of visually representing children's lives, their stories and their faces. I also describe her influence as an educator and suggest that researchers as well may benefit from Ewald's approach to exploring individuals' social realities. Next, I propose that Ewald's body of work provides a rich source of material for those interested in the analysis of visual culture. As an example, I focus on Ewald's American Alphabets , which presents four visual alphabets and deals with questions of identity and language. The collaborative images simultaneously address and raise sociological questions and offer a compelling visual example of the confluence of gender, race and social class. I finish with a discussion of Ewald's two latest collaborations— In Peace and Harmony: Carver Portraits in Richmond, Virginia and Towards a Promised Land from Margate, England. In these new works, Ewald places larger-than-life portraits in symbolically meaningful public spaces. Her public art involves a complicated and conceptual exploration of context.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14725860500244043

Publication date: 2005-10-01

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Formerly 'Visual Sociology' published by Visual Sociology Association
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