Photography has often been referred to as a pastime for observers. A solitary activity that preserves the people, places, and the moments in life we recognize as special. Israeli born and now New York City native, Elinor Carucci has utilized photography throughout her life to break down that barrier of singularity and allowed her images and portraits to be a vehicle for a universal conversation about the intimacies of family and relationships.
Carucci recently gave a passionate and persuasive talk at UWM as part of their Artist Now lecture series, which brings accomplished artists to Milwaukee and gives them an open and receptive venue from which to inspire the community at large through their artwork, stories, and accomplishments.
Starting off taking images at a young age, photography “felt right” for the artist as Carucci utilized the medium over many years to illustrate the pure and precious moments that occur between family members. Her photographs are similar in context to artists; Larry Sultan, Sally Mann, and Elaine O’Neil, however Carucci has created her own unique perspective illuminating not only the role of family, but the intimate dynamics that happen between lovers as they pass through stages together in life.
Elinor-Carucci--Bite
Carucci’s raw and sweeping imagery often captures the dramatic moments in life; in her introspective body of work “Closer”, she follows the growth of a young girl into a strong and independent woman. She tackled the perils of chronic back problems in the body of work “Pain”, and embraced the beauty of becoming a mother herself in her most recent artwork. Each distinct body of photographs is a testament to the one that came before it affirming her belief that art and life are intrinsically linked.
Elinor-Carucci---Recent
A moving and powerful talk, Carucci’s delicate and widespread point that: “photography can be both nurturing and simultaneously mirror the emotions and authenticity of everyday life” came across in the subtle moments of reflection that she has miraculously captured. As the audience, we were given the opportunity tolerate, emphasize, and appreciate how far the artist has grown; how she has utilized her life and continuous dedication to photography as an example and encouragement to fuel our own passions.
