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Dietrich’s Mirror: Portraits In The Mirrors Of Marlene Dietrich

Kalliope Amorphous

Artist’s statement:
Dietrich’s Mirror is a series of self-portraits taken in mirrors belonging to the late Marlene Dietrich. The first images in this series were taken in a mirror which shattered in transit from the auction house. While I was initially disappointed that the oldest and rarest of the mirrors (a travel mirror Dietrich owned in the 1930s) had arrived broken, I used the loss as an opportunity to create this set of darker, fragmented images.

In addition to my interest in mythology and superstitions surrounding reflections and mirrors, I often incorporate them into my work as symbols of spiritual and psychological states. I am interested in the provenance of Marlene Dietrich’s mirrors as a type of liminal canvas—a canvas which once belonged to an icon known for her use of mirrors and her meticulous crafting of image.

This series is both a tribute to one of my favorite actresses as well as an experiment with mirrors of an intriguing provenance. Shattered is the first segment of this series, which is in progress.

Dietrich’s Mirror 5 - Kalliope Amorphous
Dietrich’s Mirror 7 - Kalliope Amorphous
Dietrich’s Mirror 9 - Kalliope Amorphous
Dietrich’s Mirror 11 - Kalliope Amorphous
Dietrich’s Mirror 12 - Kalliope Amorphous
Dietrich’s Mirror 13 - Kalliope Amorphous
Dietrich’s Mirror 15 - Kalliope Amorphous
Dietrich’s Mirror 17 - Kalliope Amorphous
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Kalliope Amorphous

Kalliope Amorphous is a visual artist best known for her extensive work in self-portrait photography. Assuming the roles of model, stylist, and photographer, she uses her own image as a prop to create the protagonists of her visual stories. A self-taught photographer, Amorphous creates her own alternative processes and methodologies using handmade and alternative lighting as well as experimenting with textiles, surfaces, mirrors, and in-camera distortion techniques. Much of Amorphous’ work uses reflections, blur, mirrors, and multiple exposure to lead the viewer through the artist’s favorite themes — identity, mortality, time, and consciousness.

In addition to self-portrait photography, Amorphous continues to explore various forms of experimental photography and alternative processes in creative, conceptual, and new media.

Kalliope has received worldwide recognition for her work in conceptual photography and her photographs have been published and exhibited throughout the United States and internationally. She currently divides her time between Providence, Rhode Island and New York City.

Visit KalliopeAmorphous.com. Some of her work is available for purchase here.

Author: Kalliope Amorphous Tags: photography Category: Visual Art and Visual Poetry January 13, 2015

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Established in 2000 and edited by Denise Enck, Empty Mirror is an online literary magazine that publishes new work each Friday.

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