This will be the first exhibition VMFA has ever presented of one of Virginia’s most celebrated contemporary artists,  Sally Mann. The exhibition focuses on the theme of the body and emphasizes Mann’s new work, while selectively introducing earlier images.

Some of the works in the exhibition include nudity and other graphic material. Viewer and parental discretion is advised.

Mann’s most recent work represents an intriguing new direction. She is tackling expansive themes of mortality and vulnerability, while for the first time using herself and her husband as subjects. In addition, she has taken her bold experiments with the medium to new heights, pushing photography to its limits by making painterly and nearly abstract images—many as unique pieces on glass plates. Altogether the exhibition and accompanying catalogue will present an unexpected picture of Mann’s work, encouraging a fresh perspective on one of today’s preeminent photographers and, it is hoped, an opportunity to extend her visibility well beyond the realm of photography. A catalogue will accompany the exhibition.

Organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and curated by John B. Ravenal, Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art.

VMFA is pleased to acknowledge contributions from Gagosian Gallery, Mary and Don Shockey, and Alan I. Kirshner.

Event Has Concluded

 

Exhibition Catalogue
Sally Mann: The Flesh and The Spirit
November 2010
Clothbound with jacket
200 pages, 225 color images
Copublished by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and Aperture. Distributed by Aperture.

Voted among the Best Books of 2010 by photo-eye Magazine.

Available through the VMFA Shop or Aperture.com

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Sally Mann: The Flesh and The Spirit flyer  PDF


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Detail, Untitled Self-Portrait

Detail, Untitled (Self-Portraits) Ambrotype (unique collodion wet-plate positive on black glass), with sandarac varnish. (15 x 13 ½ in.) 2006-7

Water Play Cibachrome print

Water Play Cibachrome print from 2 1/4 x 2 1/4-in. transparency. (ca. 20 x 24) 1990-91

Untitled Platinum print

Untitled Platinum print, cropped contact print from 8 x 10-in. negative 1978-1980

Untitled (Still Life) Ambrotype

Untitled (Still Life) Ambrotype (unique collodion wet-plate positive on black glass), with sandarac varnish (15 x 13 in.) 2006

Untitled Polaroid

Untitled Polaroid (8 x 10 in.) 1983

Jessie #34 Gelatin Silver enlargement print

Jessie #34 Gelatin Silver enlargement print from 8 x 10-in. collodion wet-plate negative, with Soluvar matte varnish mixed with diatomaceous earth. (ca. 50 x 40 inches) 2004

Untitled (Self-Portraits) Ambrotypes

Untitled (Self-Portraits) Ambrotypes (unique collodion wet-plate positives on black glass), with sandarac varnish. (18 parts, each 15 x 13 . in.; overall ca. 45 . x 82 . in.) 2006-7

Untitled #4, Antietam Gelatin silver enlargement print

Untitled #4, Antietam Gelatin silver enlargement print from 8 x 10-in. collodion wet-plate (ca. 40 x 50 in.) 2001

Emmett #3 Gelatin Silver enlargement print

Emmett #3 Gelatin Silver enlargement print from 8 x 10-in. collodion wet-plate negative, with Soluvar matte varnish mixed with diatomaceous earth. (ca. 50 x 40 in.) 2004

Ponder Heart Gelatin silver contact print

Ponder Heart Gelatin silver contact print from 15 x 13 1/2-in. collodion wet-plate negative 2009

Was Ever Love Gelatin silver contact print

Was Ever Love Gelatin silver contact print from 15 x 13 1/2 –in. collodion wet-plate negative 2009