Conference Hall
Nida Art Colony of Vilnius Academy of Arts
E. A. Jonušo g. 3
Nida LT-93127
In her global long-term project The Averted Portrait, Düsseldorf-based photo artist Corina Gertz, focuses on women in traditional dress as hip portraits from behind against a monochrome black background. With this arrangement, which is repeated in all the portraits and removes body proportions or skin colours from the field of vision, Gertz exposes clothing and attributes as cultural constants that are an expression of individuality and belonging in equal measure in all regions of the world and across generations. Her portraits reflect her interest in the aesthetics, political, social, and cultural context.
Yet the subjects themselves remain unseen; it is the clothing alone that speaks. Many of the images feature inherited garments that carry with them layers of history and tradition. They embody the preservation of ancestral knowledge, customs, and practices. In Corina’s work, traditional dress becomes a representation of cultural heritage – evoking craftsmanship, origin, family, and social status – revealing something of the wearer’s identity without disclosing their individuality. These are, in one sense, community portraits. Yet through the intimate and detailed presentation of each garment, the viewer is invited into a quiet connection with the individual and their aesthetic, political, social, and cultural context.
During her artist residency at Nida Art Colony, invited by the Lithuanian Photographers’ Association, Corina will expand her project to include traditional Lithuanian costumes.
In her lecture, she will offer insights into the working process behind The Averted Portrait and respond to questions from the audience.
Supported by Lithuanian Photographers’ Association.