Edie Bresler

During a year-long illness, I spent more time looking at photographs in books than making them. A series of anonymous nudes from various sources, all made between 1843-1910 entered my consciousness and kept me restless. It was not just the finality of the title, “anonymous”, but wonder about the relationship between photographer and subject. I found myself dreamily inventing backstories: Is that a moment of intimacy or a fond remembrance in their gaze? I spent a lot of time imagining what they might have been like outside the photographers studio.

To satisfy my curiosity, I scanned the original reproduction to digitally remove them from the studio. Then I began creating an alternate place and time. I embroider, and sew clothing as a gesture of renewal and second chances, mirroring my own recovery. This project is ongoing.