Laura Hofstadter, a 65-year old American photographer proceeded to a rather unusual project, where she reporduces great masterpieces of western art placing herself as a model, in front of sets of her everyday life. Hofstadter`s decision may reflect an expression of feelings opposed to the youth-obsessed society, as she prefers to expose her skin as plain and natural as possible. Another major factor for creating this project could be her battle with cancer, a journey that can be seen througout the series, dealing with multiple stages of life: Loss, aging, hapiness, loneliness.
Laura Hofstadter stated about her work:
Instead of slavishly re-creating each source artwork, I prefer to sacrifice features of the original while adding new touches to make an image that is both recognizably the painting but also purely me. I have eschewed almost all make-up, and rather than constructing elaborate decor, costumes or props, I create simple sets using my own house or backyard, everyday objects, and my own, borrowed, or home-sewn garments whenever possible.
Original artwork of cover photo: Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, 1665
Original artwork of cover photo: Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, 1665
WHISTLER`S MOTHER BY JAMES MCNEILL WHISTLER, 1871
SELF PORTRAIT BY REMBRANDT, 1659
MEZZETIN BY JEAN ANTOINE WATTEAU, 1718?20
ABSINTHE DRINKER BY PABLO PICASSO, 1901?02
HOPE BY GEORGE FREDERIC WATTS, 1886
SINGER WITH A GLOVE BY EDGAR DEGAS, 1878
THE SCREAM BY EDVARD MUNCH, 1893
THE SON OF MAN, MAGRITTE, 1964READ ALSO: PYGMALION KARATZAS PHOTOGRAPHED THE NEW WORLD CENTER IN MIAMI BY FRANK GEHRY