I've known about french artist Sophie Calle for quite some time. I got her book for my birthday and its probably the most fascinating thing i own. It has secret compartments and postcard-type images like a storybook full of postcards and letters i had when i was little. the association alone makes me nostalgic and warm inside.
Literally just watched a programme about her and her bizarre life presented by Melvin Bragg (who i also quite like). although i have a huge appreciation and love for books, i do find these art programmes clarifying and a good waste of an hour or so, this particular one was full of Calle facts i doubt id find elsewhere.
In a nutshell Calle is a narrative artist, (slightly like Emin in her portrayl of herself but Calles best works are on the lives of others) initially she followed people around.. getting involved in thier lives without them knowing, sometimes creating stories for them, she photographed and recorded their movements (as shown above) she has continued to do similar things and ever recorded her own life and its slightly twisted goings on. Her work is prolific and i'm sure i could write for hours.
The main reason for this post is perhaps a slight similarity to her. Whilst watching the programme with Ali he commented that a lot of people (himself included) wouldn't appreciate this particular form of art because they weren't voyeuristic. I am voyeuristic. This word was mentioned lots in the programme. Never would i go to such an extreme as Calle, never an obsession, but i do find certain people fascinating. i love reality TV (shameful i know). i people watch. a genuine interest, wondering about peoples lives and thoughts and what they've done. sometimes i feel a bit odd so god knows whats going on within Sophies head.
1 comment:
There is a great article about (and by) Sophie Calle in the new Lula Magazine. Do you have it? If not I shall bring it into work so you can take a read.
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