Komol
(1931); printed 1984
Medium
gelatin silver photograph
Measurements
34.4 × 23.3 cm (image) 35.2 × 24.0 cm (sheet)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Bowness Family Fund for Photography, 2022
© ringl+pit
Gallery location
Special Exhibitions Gallery
Ground Level, NGV International
About this work
Named after the childhood nicknames of Grete Stern (Ringl) and Ellen Auerbach (Pit), photography studio ringl+pit was sought after for its highly innovative and experimental work. The studio’s work broke free from feminine ideals and expectations. Komol, an unconventional advertisement for hair dye, is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the shallow nature of commercialised femininity. ringl+pit’s playful productions speak to the safety of the artists’ shared space, described by art historian Elizabeth Otto as ‘a haven of humour and honesty for the photographers in contrast to the outside world that does not understand them’.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Berlin, Germany
Edition
ed. 1/6
Inscription
stamped in ink and inscribed in pencil on reverse c.: FOTOGRAFIE / RINGL + PIT / Archive # 5 - 1/6 / Printed: 1984
inscribed in pencil on reverse c.: Ellen Auerbach / Grete Stern
inscribed in pencil on reverse l.r.: Comol 1931
Accession Number
2022.149
Department
International Photography