a dozen useless actions for grieving blondes #10
2009
from the a dozen useless actions for grieving blondes series 2009
Medium
type C photograph
Measurements
(76.3 × 132.1 cm) (image and sheet) 80.5 × 136.5 cm (framed)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, Victorian Foundation for Living Australian Artists, 2010
© Estate of Rosemary Laing
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Rosemary Laing’s image is a study in high emotion. Set against the blurred motion of a lolly-pink background, the fierce expression, wild hair and mottled skin of the woman mark this as a portrait of major emotional catharsis. This tightly choreographed and convincing display of grief and rage shows Laing’s self-declared desire to distil time into one intensely felt moment. Although we may rarely find ourselves in such a state, the woman’s uncontrolled expression taps into a human emotion that is timeless. Laing’s photograph could equally show a scene of a woman wailing in an ancient Greek chorus, or a contemporary study of love scorned.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Sydney, New South Wales
Edition
ed. 4/8
Inscription
inscribed in fibre-tipped pen on support reverse l.l.: Rosemary Laing / a dozen useless actions / for grieving blondes #10 / 4/8 2009
Accession Number
2010.39
Department
Australian Photography
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest