Artist research

Anna Fox

Anna Fox is a British photographer and video artist who was born in 1961 and also works as a professor of photography at the University of the Creative Arts in Farnham. Her photography work is influenced by the British documentary tradition and U.S. ‘New Colourists.’ She is an accomplished artist with work exhibited at galleries such as the V&A, Tate Britain and Tate Liverpool and other international galleries.

I am personally fond of her style and seeing pieces of hers as well as other photographers has shaped my own style of photography. I was particularly attracted by her high use of colour and flash as this paired with the documentary style of her work gave it a very authentic, human feel, present to everyday. I was first introduced to her work last year when my tutor showed me her project ‘My mother’s cupboards and my father’s words.’ This was a substantial influence in shaping my process. She describes this project as:

       “Colour photographs of my mother’s tidy cupboards together with exerts from my fathers        

         rantings. An unexpectedly wicked narrative exploring a claustrophobic relationship.

         Designed as a miniature bookwork.”

This work highly influenced my previous portrait project through the creation of my own photography books. Since then the book thing has become part pf my process, a presentation method I enjoy. For my current shit stories project I have revisited the book method, however this time choosing a magazine style. I also think its worth mentioning the original inspiration for this project, My mothers actions, the ridiculous situations shes put me in, I've never had the courage to use such things as an inspiration for work, but i definitely think seeing Anna fox's work helped push me, Her work showed me a way of using such experiences to inform the work without the work becoming messy. 

https://annafox.co.uk/photography/my-mothers-cupboards-and-my-fathers-words/