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Portrait of an Artist: Conversations with Trailblazing Creative Women
This remarkable book brings you face-to-face with an incredible selection of pioneering women who have reshaped the creative industries.
From legendary visual artists Yoko Ono and Tracey Emin, to groundbreaking musicians like Annie Lennox and Debbie Harry, to fashion giants such as Miuccia Prada and Diane von Fürstenberg, this collection of original interviews and Polaroid photographs of almost 30 trailblazing women spans creative industries, nationalities and generations to bring together a never-before- published collection of leading voices. Featuring an astounding range of names including FKA Twigs, Isabelle Huppert and Rei Kawakubo, this book creates both a portrait of each individual woman and – collectively – a powerful portrait of the impact of women on the creative industries. Each pioneering creative is interviewed and photographed by the Mexican artist Hugo Huerta Marin. The women speak openly with Huerta Marin about their challenges and joys; their vulnerabilities and their triumphs. Cate Blanchett reflects on the differences between acting on stage and in film; Marina AbramoviÐ discusses her most radical piece of performance art; Annie Lennox reminisces about London in the 1970s; Carrie Mae Weems discusses the relationship between race and photography —these and other conversations are further brought to life by Huerta Marin’s candid, intimate Polaroid images. These photographs, which allow readers to lock eyes with their subjects, reflect the natural tone of each conversation, allowing the reader rare insight into the lives of these renowned artists. Inspiring and revealing, this collection of interviews and photographs gives readers an unparalleled connection with some of the most fascinating women working in the arts today.
From legendary visual artists Yoko Ono and Tracey Emin, to groundbreaking musicians like Annie Lennox and Debbie Harry, to fashion giants such as Miuccia Prada and Diane von Fürstenberg, this collection of original interviews and Polaroid photographs of almost 30 trailblazing women spans creative industries, nationalities and generations to bring together a never-before- published collection of leading voices. Featuring an astounding range of names including FKA Twigs, Isabelle Huppert and Rei Kawakubo, this book creates both a portrait of each individual woman and – collectively – a powerful portrait of the impact of women on the creative industries. Each pioneering creative is interviewed and photographed by the Mexican artist Hugo Huerta Marin. The women speak openly with Huerta Marin about their challenges and joys; their vulnerabilities and their triumphs. Cate Blanchett reflects on the differences between acting on stage and in film; Marina AbramoviÐ discusses her most radical piece of performance art; Annie Lennox reminisces about London in the 1970s; Carrie Mae Weems discusses the relationship between race and photography —these and other conversations are further brought to life by Huerta Marin’s candid, intimate Polaroid images. These photographs, which allow readers to lock eyes with their subjects, reflect the natural tone of each conversation, allowing the reader rare insight into the lives of these renowned artists. Inspiring and revealing, this collection of interviews and photographs gives readers an unparalleled connection with some of the most fascinating women working in the arts today.
424 pages, Hardcover
Published October 5, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 31, 2022
There is nothing simple about an intelligent woman's mind. These women speak directly. They pursue singular ideas. Diane von Fürstenburg gave me a long laugh on page 131: "When I was a very young girl, I asked my teacher,' what can you do for a living if you like books?' And she said, 'You could be a librarian.' The librarian at my school had very bad breath, and that was the end of that (laughs)."
I loved these jewels from Agnès Varda:
"Everyday life is beautiful. Here is some advice I always like to give: Sit still in a café and look- look at the people and look at what is happening in front of you. If you have a frame, don't move from that frame. See what comes in and comes out. Learn from what comes into that frame like a cameraman or filmmaker. You will discover so much beauty from life just by sitting still in front of a frame (416)."
"We want to be known and appreciated. At some point, appreciation becomes important, so when more people know you, you become famous. It's normal that it ends in this way. Now, you can be known on different levels and for different reasons- because you make a lot of money, because you won a tennis competition, or because you are a decent artist- and that recognition is necessary. It feels good to be known on that level (416-417)."
Many blessings to Hugo Huerta Marin!!!
I loved these jewels from Agnès Varda:
"Everyday life is beautiful. Here is some advice I always like to give: Sit still in a café and look- look at the people and look at what is happening in front of you. If you have a frame, don't move from that frame. See what comes in and comes out. Learn from what comes into that frame like a cameraman or filmmaker. You will discover so much beauty from life just by sitting still in front of a frame (416)."
"We want to be known and appreciated. At some point, appreciation becomes important, so when more people know you, you become famous. It's normal that it ends in this way. Now, you can be known on different levels and for different reasons- because you make a lot of money, because you won a tennis competition, or because you are a decent artist- and that recognition is necessary. It feels good to be known on that level (416-417)."
Many blessings to Hugo Huerta Marin!!!
December 11, 2023
sadly, these interviews were one-note and totally uninteresting. the book felt like a giant gimmick ... don't waste your time!
October 13, 2023
My new bible I’m going to recommend it to everyone
July 15, 2025
there's some really interesting ways of thinking that are expressed here, i wish some of these interview questions and the general direction of the interviews opened up on that more
October 25, 2023
This was a really great insight into the minds of some of the most creative minds of the modern age. Actresses, painters, sculptures, musicians—they all have such an intoxicating life philosophy. I especially like the last interview with Agnes Varda whose kindness and humanity is especially inspiring. This is a great read for creative minded people, especially women, that are curious about the thoughts and processes of likeminded people.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews