Shooting Performance: Edward Woodman and British Art of the 1980s and 1990s

About

One of the most important photographers in the history of British contemporary art, Edward Woodman has been photographing artists and their work for over four decades, capturing historic moments and influential figures. Shooting Performance includes photographs of important performances and installations by artists such as Stuart Brisley, Anya Gallaccio, David Medalla and Cornelia Parker amongst others from the 1980s and 1990s.

The singularity of Woodman’s achievement and influence lies in the unique collaborations which he undertook with artists which went beyond documentation, forging important creative relationships which became intrinsic to the work. At a time when installation and performance were becoming central to contemporary art practice, he became the photographer of choice for a number of artists who recognised his unique ability to interpret their practice and ideas through his documentation of their work.

DRAF Studio

The exhibition takes place in DRAF Studio, drawing on its compelling and impressive programme of performance. A unique space dedicated to live work, DRAF Studio has hosted performance residencies and commissions by artists including Stuart Brisley, Guy Sherwin, Edward Thomasson, Stina Nyberg, Haroon Mirza, Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings, Jacopo Miliani and Zoe Williams.

Art360

Over the past year, Edward Woodman has been participating in the Art360 project which has made it possible for Woodman to work with curators and archivists and to scan and catalogue thousands of photographic images in his archive. The exhibition is made possible through the work of Art360 and coincides with Frieze London and DRAF's 10th anniversary this October.

The exhibition is curated by Gilane Tawadros and Judy Adam. Thanks to the Chief Curator, Vincent Honoré, and all the team at DRAF. 

Image caption: Cornelia Parker, Words That Define Gravity (1992), work in progress. Photo: Edward Woodman.