Claude Cahun : Beneath This Mask

10 Nov 2015-9 Jan 2016

Overview

For our first exhibition at the newly refurbished East Gallery NUA we are delighted to be showing works by the French photographer Claude Cahun (1894-1954). ‘Beneath This Mask’ is unique opportunity to see this suite of 42 prints in the East of England. Claude Cahun achieved posthumous fame for her elusive self-portraits in which she assumed multiple personae. Born Lucy Schwob, she adopted the pseudonym in 1917 to free herself from the narrow confines of gender. In these now legendary images, Cahun anticipated the performative work of artists such as Cindy Sherman and Sophie Calle, amongst many others. This Hayward Touring exhibition is held in collaboration with Jersey Heritage and was first assembled for the Women of the World Festival 2015, Southbank Centre, London