In her "Heimat" series, German photographer Ellen von Unwerth gives pastoral Bavaria a subversive twist.
"We Can Do It" (2015) —
In her "Heimat" series, German photographer Ellen von Unwerth gives pastoral Bavaria a subversive twist.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
The photos have been compiled in a 454-page art tome published by Taschen, which is accompanied by a gallery show at the publisher's Los Angeles exhibition space.
"The Big Catch" (2015) —
The photos have been compiled in a 454-page art tome published by Taschen, which is accompanied by a gallery show at the publisher's Los Angeles exhibition space.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
"It's a parody of Bavaria," von Unwerth says. "You have those women with the busts to fill out those dirndl, and the lederhosen, you know, it's so sexy."
"Carrying the Goods" (2015) —
"It's a parody of Bavaria," von Unwerth says. "You have those women with the busts to fill out those dirndl, and the lederhosen, you know, it's so sexy."
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
Von Unwerth first moved to Bavaria from Frankfurt when she was 12. Though she initially found the culture to be overly traditional and conservative, she now feels a sense of nostalgia for the place.
"Milk Maids" (2014) —
Von Unwerth first moved to Bavaria from Frankfurt when she was 12. Though she initially found the culture to be overly traditional and conservative, she now feels a sense of nostalgia for the place.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
The German word "heimat" translates roughly to "homeland." After World War II, German heimat films idealized pastoral scenery, focusing on the natural beauty and provincialism found in rural areas.
"On the High Horse" (2015) —
The German word "heimat" translates roughly to "homeland." After World War II, German heimat films idealized pastoral scenery, focusing on the natural beauty and provincialism found in rural areas.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
Von Unwerth staged her scenes in locations had not yet been modernized. Some photos are set on mountainsides, and inside domestic farmhouses and huge wooden barns.
"Hunting Season" (2015) —
Von Unwerth staged her scenes in locations had not yet been modernized. Some photos are set on mountainsides, and inside domestic farmhouses and huge wooden barns.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
Von Unwerth set out to depict strong women enjoying themselves in a way that is both subversive and sexual.
"The Cooks" (2015) —
Von Unwerth set out to depict strong women enjoying themselves in a way that is both subversive and sexual.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
"I have the girls working with the woods, being woodcutters and working with iron, and in situations like this they are replacing the guys," Von Unwerth says. "Men are always more accessories in my pictures."
"Woodcutting Drama" (2015) —
"I have the girls working with the woods, being woodcutters and working with iron, and in situations like this they are replacing the guys," Von Unwerth says. "Men are always more accessories in my pictures."
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.taschen.com%2Fpages%2Fen%2Fcatalogue%2Fphotography%2Fall%2F06355%2Ffacts.ellen_von_unwerth_heimat.htm" target="_blank" target="_blank">"Heimat"</a> by Ellen von Unwerth, published by Taschen, is out now. The <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.taschen.com%2Fpages%2Fen%2Fcompany%2Fblog%2F978.ellen_von_unwerth_heimat.htm" target="_blank" target="_blank">exhibition</a> is on at the Taschen Gallery in Los Angeles until May 2, 2017.
"Heimat" by Ellen von Unwerth, published by Taschen, is out now. The exhibition is on at the Taschen Gallery in Los Angeles until May 2, 2017.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth