The Woman Who Never Existed by Anja Niemi was inspired by the words of the pioneering Italian actress Eleonora Duse. Eleonora worked on the international theatre stage alongside Sara Bernhardt in the early 20th century. In contrast to Bernhardt’s outgoing personality, Duse was introverted and private, rarely giving interviews. She once famously told a pushy New York journalist, that ‘away from the stage I do not exist.’
Niemi takes on the role of a fictional character visualized after reading Eleonora’s words. The Woman Who Never Existed tells the story of an actress who only exists in front of an audience, when no one is looking she starts to disappear.As always Niemi works alone. Photographing, staging and acting out the characters in all of her photographs.
The Woman Who Never Existed by Anja Niemi premieres at Photofairs San Francisco with The Little Black Gallery.
PHOTOFAIRS in San Francisco
January 27-29, 2017
Fort Mason Festival Pavilion
2 Marina Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94123
USA
http://photofairs.org/sanfrancisco/
www.thelittleblackgallery.com
