22.1.11

CARLO MOLLINO

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One of the first things that struck me when I discovered the photography of Italian architect Carlo Mollino was how much it reminded me of the work of Egon Schiele. The colors, the shapes, the delicate translucent layers of petticoats and sheer stockings, the contrast between inside and outside, what is hidden and what is in plain view. And as with Schiele, many of Mollino's subjects were young prostitutes, whom he dressed, posed and lit himself. The results are haunting, alluring, both sensual and sad.

6 comments:

Megan said...

I absolutely adore the comparison to Egon Schiele, he is one of my all time favourite artists, I may have to check out this photographer. Thank you!

Zoë said...

Thank you culture vulture! i like the more domestic backdrops in these photos, will give him a further look.

Lexie said...

the way the models have their heads tilting back is so counter-intuitive to how women pose today (i'm thinking for fashion blogs/editorials in particular...) .. the mix of seduction and style is really interesting here.

Ringo, have a banana! said...

Lexie, that's so true! I feel like there's a real aversion to tilting the head back, especially in blogs. I think perhaps it speaks to the insecurities that a lot of us have? I know that personally I much prefer how my face looks tilted down. It's also much more of a shy gesture. None of these women look uncomfortable or ashamed, which I think is really powerful--and a lot of that has to do with how they're holding their heads, as well as the rest of their bodies.

Taylor Kitto / The Little Deer said...

gosh what beautiful pictures. i love the light mixed with the darks.
thanks for sharing!!

Anonymous said...

I thought they were from a contemporary editorial piece on lingerie at first until I read your description. Very moody and haunting once you know what you are really looking at. As with all old photos, you wonder what happened to these people.