Ellen Von Unwerth – Fräulein
Pressing the buzzer at number 3 Jubilee Place, the outside of the Michael Hoppen Gallery gives no clues to the treasures that lay within. As the latch of the white glass panelled door opens and I step inside, frame upon frame of media credits and citations tell me this is a gallery like no other. Rising up a creaking wooden staircase to the first floor of the newly open Ellen Von Unwerth exhibition entitled ‘Fräulein’, I am greeted by a large antique clock and the most gorgeous image of a corseted women climbing a flight of stairs.
© Ellen von Unwerth courtesy Michael Hoppen Contemporary
The title of the exhibition, ‘Fräulein’ roughly translates from German as ‘Little Miss’, a fitting term for the provocative yet etheral nature of Ellen Von Unwerth’s work. A collection of photographs that capture a true energy and moment in time, Unwerth’s images are secret insights into a swirled celebrity chaos. Her ability to switch between producing strikingly vivid, otherworld colour images to poignant and atmospheric monochrome photographs is clearly showcased over this two room exhibition.
Ellen Von Unwerth – Fräulein
Featuring starlets such as Kate Moss, Dita Von Teese, Britney Spears and Eva Mendes, the ‘Fräulein’ exhibition is one to be seen. In a set of intensely theatrical photographs, Unwerth uses her female prowl-esque and experience as a model to capture images no other photographer could. With many of the images on display of a fetishistic and provocative nature, the characters in Unwerth’s work are seductive and experimental with a softly feminine and charming edge.
© Ellen von Unwerth courtesy Michael Hoppen Contemporary
Overhearing the telephone conversation of one of the staff, it emerges that the press evening for the Ellen Von Unwerth ‘Fräulein’ exhibition has more than double the amount of people attending than the gallery can house. This alone stands as a marker of how anticipated the exhibition has been, and with Unwerth currently shooting the cover of pop star Rihanns’s next album, it seems that there is still much more to come.
Ellen Von Unwerth – Fräulein
Ellen Von Unwerth ‘Fräulein’ exhibition continues at The Michael Hoppen Gallery until November 21 2009.
