Venus (Self Portrait)
Artist
Carla Williams
(American, b.1965)
CultureAmerican
Date1994
MediumPlatinum print
DimensionsOverall, Image: 13 1/4 × 10 3/8 in. (33.7 × 26.4 cm)
Overall: 14 1/8 × 11 in. (35.9 × 27.9 cm)
Overall, Mat: 24 1/2 × 19 5/16 in. (62.2 × 49.1 cm)
Overall: 14 1/8 × 11 in. (35.9 × 27.9 cm)
Overall, Mat: 24 1/2 × 19 5/16 in. (62.2 × 49.1 cm)
Inscribed"Carla Williams CM Untitled Self Portraits printed 11-99 f22/22 wash"
Credit LineGift of Joyce F. and Robert B. Menschel
Object number2007.12.118
Not on view
Label TextCarla Williams
American (b. 1965)
Venus (Self-Portrait), 1994
Platinum print
Gift of Joyce F. and Robert B. Menschel 2007.12.118
Carla Williams uses self-portraiture to explore notions of identity, beauty, and desirability. Much like her teacher, Anne Noggle (on view nearby), Williams claims ownership of her body, opting to photograph herself nude and in striking poses of power rather than submission.
In Venus (Self-Portrait), Williams uses her body to confront racial stereotypes. Her pose recalls historical images of Saartjie Baartman (1789-1815), a Khoikhoi woman from South Africa who was brought to Europe and was exhibited in the nude at carnivals. Audiences ridiculed "Sarah" and her heavy, ungainly form, and sarcastically called her "The Hottentot Venus"-an Afrikaans slur against her aboriginal race. In her self-portrait, Williams proudly reclaims Baartman's legacy and presents her own body as the equal of the mythic Venus.
ProvenanceCollection of Robert B. and Joyce F. Menschel, New York; Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia, Gift of Joyce F. and Robert B. Menschel, 2007
Exhibition History'Recent Photography Acquistions," Alice R. and Frank B. Sol Photography Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, December 12, 2008.
"Women of the Chrysler: a 400-Year Celebration of the Arts," Large Changing Gallery, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va., March 24 - July 18, 2010.
Unknown
Late Dynasty 5-early Dynasty 6, reigns of Unas or Pepy I, 2375-2287 B.C.E.
