Aphrodite (Blanco y Negro), 2018 - Limited Edition of 50 Print

Berlin-based Lúa Adler's work explores the female form through the gaze of the Other. Focusing on the objectification of women throughout history, she aims to re-contextualise demeaning and degrading images of women by transforming them into works of art. By presenting these images in a new medium, she offers a new perspective for the viewer with the intention of erasing any degradation of the women. Her work is inspired by vintage erotic and pornographic photography mainly from the 1920s to the 1960s, as well as photographers concerned with abstracting the female form such as Irving Penn and Ruth Bernhard. When working from erotic/pornographic images, Adler transforms inherently objectifying and demeaning images of women into works where the women become beautiful, strong, and most importantly, human. She creates a space where previously disrespected women are to be respected: as people, as art. Works such as 'Homage to Ruth Bernhard's 'Classic Torso, 1952' form part of the series in order to bring all types of photographed women from the 1900s into the same space, to create a unity between all women, no matter whether their photograph was intended for artful contemplation or a hard-on. These works were born to show solidarity between all women, because all women are human. Adler prints in a way that gives her work a texture that is distinct from traditional lino-printing techniques, the ink appears almost ephemeral on the paper. The sensuality and softness of the markings are all part of her exploration of femininity, and her mission to give these women back their beautiful essence and respect.