Lee Miller: Photography, Surrealism, and Beyond

(Hardback)

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Lee Miller: Photography, surrealism, and beyond offers a major new critical discussion of the work of one of the most significant twentieth-century photographers. Applying art-theoretical analyses and insights afforded by previously unseen material in archives and collections, Patricia Allmer undertakes revisionary readings of many of Miller's works, including Portrait of Space, Severed Breast from Radical Mastectomy and the famous series of war photographs produced for Vogue. At the same time she sheds new light on Miller's relations with surrealist groups and American avant-gardes, on her experiences in Paris, Egypt and World War II Europe and on her critically neglected post-war activities. Above all, Lee Miller: Photography, surrealism, and beyond focuses critical attention on the works themselves. As a result it will be of great interest to students and scholars of twentieth-century photography, modernism and surrealism. -- .

Reviews

'The book is provocative and will inspire thoughtful reconsideration of Dada and surrealism-its people, activities, and production.'
C. Chiarenza, University of Rochester, Choice July 2016

This groundbreaking book is a welcome, indeed crucial, addition to Lee Miller scholarship. Allmers analyses reframe and enhance our comprehension of Millers artistic oeuvre, gracefully complementing, rather than completely upending, the established canon. The narrative is pleasingly plotted, and Allmers conclusions crisply and satisfyingly come together.
Caitlin Davis, Womans Art Journal, Fall/Winter 2017

"[...] in Lee Miller: Photography, Surrealism and beyond, Allmer offers the most extensive and most in-depth analysis of Millers visual art work to date.
Jonas Ellerstrm, Svenska Dagbladet, 9 September 2017

As I write this, it has just been announced that there is to be a biopic about Lee Miller starring (perhapsinevitably) Kate WinsletAt the outset of this stimulating and informativebook, Allmer stated her intention: it is not to disprove current versions of Millers life or to offer a new narrative, but rather to refocus it, adding new layers to it and revealing uncertainties that open up historical andaesthetic possibilities. This she has certainly achieved. Her book should beread by all those interested in photography, modernism and surrealism and by Kate Winslet.
Julie Lawson, Studies in Photography, vol. 2, 2017

Author Bio

Patricia Allmer is Professor of Modern and Contemporary Art History at the University of Edinburgh