CHARLIE ENGMAN
How we wear who we are
4 May 2017
An aging woman wearing contemporary clothing stands in stark surroundings – surrounded by desert landscapes or in post-modern, colourful interiors, she poses: uninhibited, athletic and confrontational. The directness of her gaze could startle the viewer, even make them feel awkward – the model in question is, in fact, American photographer Charlie Engman’s own mother. The artist’s choice and treatment of his subject is both provocative and places intimate trust in the viewer, something that might cause discomfort. In turn, his work poses important questions: who are we and how do we view each other?
This is a more than welcome unconventional vision offering a direct challenge to the prettified and artificial fashion photography that most are accustomed to. Engman’s photographs are refreshingly free of prejudice and offer blunt reassurances to anyone unsure of their right to enjoy fashion or are concerned about standards of beauty – an important factor in this contemporary world that is too often discriminatory and fickle.
A truly international artist, Engman is based in London, Sydney and New York.