A World History of Women Photographers

(Hardback)

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Description

A magnificently illustrated showcase of the work of 300 women photographers from all over the world, from the invention of the medium to the dawn of the 21st century.

As in many fields of art history, the work of women photographers has often been overlooked, and few of their names are now widely recognized. However, women were closely involved in all major photography movements of the 19th and 20th centuries, and have used the camera as an extraordinary tool for emancipation and experimentation. These are artists who never stopped documenting, questioning and transforming the world, breaking down social boundaries, challenging gender roles and expressing their imagination and sexuality.

To capture the diversity of this global body of work, Luce Lebart and Marie Robert have invited 160 international women writers to contribute to this volume, which is a bold and beautifully illustrated manifesto as well as an invaluable work of reference.

Reviews

'Even when they have been recognized in their lifetime, women photographers have been erased from the history of the medium. This beautiful book sets the record straight' - Charlie Hebdo
'A landmark publication' - Elle
'A huge variety of expression and experimentation by women photographers Magisterial!' - Madame Figaro
'Encyclopedic ... Teems with fascinating mini-biographies and introduces us to a truly inspiring cast of characters' - Rangefinder
'A volume of considerable importance ... With the publication of [this book], Lebart & Robert are expanding the history of photography and creating a world we want' - Art Photo Collector
'As 'A World History of Women Photographers' demonstrates, women have been involved at every stage in the development of the medium, frequently in the front ranks ... There are many famous names in this vast survey...but the surprise pleasures are the lesser known' - The New York Times Book Review
'This beautifully illustrated showcase is an exceptional reference book of photography through the decades' - New Statesman
'Excellent ... This epic book is sure to play a significant role in creating a richer, more accurate and balanced narrative' - Amateur Photographer
'A vital, beautiful and eye-opening look at the many ways women have used the camera as a tool for experimentation and self-expression' - The i
'This is life caught on the wing, from China to Mexico and the streets of Palermo, as poignantly local in its angles of view as it is revealing' - The Tablet
'An encyclopedic collection of images that goes back to the beginning of the medium' - The Globe and Mail

Author Bio

Luce Lebart is a historian of photography, curator and researcher at the Archive of Modern Conflict collection. She was the Director of the Canadian Institute of Photography from 2016 to 2018 and of the collections of the Socit Franaise de Photographie from 2011 to 2016. Marie Robert has been chief curator at the Muse d'Orsay Museum since 2011.