Iris Brosch "SHERE HITE: La Poésie du Féminisme"
Iris Brosch "SHERE HITE: La Poésie du Féminisme" 1992
Archival Pigment Print, Framed
Dimensions: Artwork 21.5x 17.5in, Framed 25x21in
Limited Edition of 10
Signed on Recto, includes certificate of authenticity.
Iris Brosch is a renowned photographer, film director, and performance artist.
Brosch's fashion photography and portraiture have been featured in esteemed publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, L'Uomo Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar, among others. She has collaborated with prominent brands including Hugo Boss, Pantene, Tommy Hilfiger, Escada, Maybelline, Jaguar, Lancel, Campari, and Renault for their advertising campaigns. Her subjects have included Claudia Schiffer, Sophie Dahl, Benedict Cumberbatch, Carlos Acosta, Shere Hite, Eva Padberg, and Heidi Klum.
Brosch pioneered a new art form known as "photo performance." In this innovative approach, she reveals the backstage of a traditional commercial photo-film production to the public, allowing audiences to participate in the creative process. Rather than exclusively working with professional models, Brosch incorporates non-traditional models and values audience participation, emphasizing the beauty and uniqueness found in every individual. This approach challenges conventional notions of beauty while celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
In 2005, Brosch presented her multimedia performance at the Venice Biennale titled Divinita: The Birth of the Black Venus. This performance can be described as a "female Gesamtkunstwerk" where she combined photography, film, fashion, art, music, and dance, creating a cohesive artistic experience reminiscent of tableaux vivants. The performance not only showcased her artistic range but also conveyed a profound exploration of feminine identity and empowerment. By blending classical art forms with modern media, Brosch invited the audience to reflect on the intersections of race, gender, and spirituality.
Throughout her career, Brosch has continued to create captivating performances, videos, and photographic works. In 2009, she presented Erotic Enlightenment, an exploration of sensuality and self-discovery through a feminist lens, challenging the patriarchal gaze. This was followed by Women and Nature in 2013, a project highlighting the deep and intrinsic connection between the feminine spirit and the natural world. In L'Uomo (2014), Brosch examined masculinity and its evolving definitions, offering a counterpoint to her previous explorations of femininity. Her artistic explorations span a wide range of themes, including identity, gender, and the human connection to nature.
In 2017, Brosch was invited by Saxony-Anhalt in Germany to create a photo performance commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. This large-scale production merged historical context with contemporary social commentary, illuminating the ongoing dialogue between past and present. In 2019, the Center for Hellenic Studies at Harvard University invited her to present her performance piece titled Gaia, which honored the ancient Greek goddess as a symbol of life, motherhood, and ecological awareness. This piece further solidified Brosch's commitment to addressing environmental concerns through her art.
In 2022, during Les Rencontres d'Arles, Brosch premiered her film Trilogy: A Warning for the 21st Century at La Chapelle de la Charité. This cinematic work tackled pressing global issues such as climate change, technological overreach, and the loss of human connection. Additionally, she created a new production at the chapel, Feminism, Faith, and Future, which was later excerpted at the IRK Galerie. This performance examined the intersection of spirituality and gender equality, proposing a future where these forces coexist harmoniously.
Brosch's artistic exploration of the female perspective extends beyond aesthetics and delves into societal, cultural, and personal aspects. Her work sparks conversations and provokes thought about issues affecting women, such as gender roles, body image, and equality. Her art reflects a profound commitment to dismantling harmful stereotypes and empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves. Through her innovative approach, Brosch redefines beauty as a multifaceted and inclusive concept.
In addition to her public performances and exhibitions, Brosch is deeply engaged in mentorship and educational initiatives. She regularly collaborates with emerging artists, providing guidance and opportunities to those seeking to challenge conventional artistic norms. Her workshops and talks emphasize the importance of using art as a tool for social change and personal empowerment.
Iris Brosch's dedication to empowering the female perspective through her art serves as a catalyst for change, promoting inclusivity, self-expression, and the embracing of one's true self. Her body of work continues to inspire audiences worldwide, bridging the gap between art and activism while offering a transformative vision for the future.
ARTIST STATEMENT
La Poésie du Féminisme
This portrait of Shere Hite is a poetic exploration of feminine strength and vulnerability. It is a double exposure, blending a portrait of Shere in a torso nude with the image of the Greek goddess Nike, symbolizing victory. The piece is titled La Poésie du Féminisme.
Shere Hite, renowned for her groundbreaking research on female sexuality, was a true pioneer of the feminist movement. Her work, particularly The Hite Report, which sold over 50 million copies worldwide, democratized the conversation around female sexuality. Originally from the United States, Shere was forced to flee her home due to numerous death threats after the publication of her research.
It was during her time in Paris that I had the privilege of meeting her. Together, we created a vast body of visual work, a dialogue that was both fitting and profound—feminist and scientist—capturing a visual continuation through photography of Shere’s groundbreaking thinking.
In these images, I sought to capture the essence of a woman who not only changed the world but also transformed how we think about sexuality. Shere’s spirit is depicted and merged with the image of the Greek goddess Nike, symbolizing triumph.Although society has tried to silence her message, particularly in today’s political climate, Shere Hite’s impact transcends these attempts. Her ideas continue to empower and guide those seeking personal freedom and collective change. Her writings challenge societal norms, urging the next generation to break free from constraints and build a more open and compassionate world.
Her work is the key to happiness for our society and the future we are building—female attributes like beauty and poetry are the foundation.
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