Taryn Simon: “Evidence”

“Evidence” – the word reflects a central aspect of Taryn Simon's artistic work: her very diverse approaches deal with the alleged evidential value of photography, its factual power, and its ability to turn claims into reality. The US photographer became known internationally during the first decade of the century, thanks to her “Innocents” project. The series presents staged portraits of people in the US who have been unjustly accused and often socially de-classed as a result.

Her most recent work, “A Living Man Declared Dead and Other Chapters”, has already been exhibited in some of the largest museums in the world. It combines the randomness of human fate with the social tendencies determined by origin and class.

The common denominator in Simon's work is the fascinating methods she uses to expose the “dark side of life”, revealing what was formerly invisible, and using text to expand on hidden dimensions behind what is visible. As such she represents one of the most important exponents of what is referred to as augmented documentary photography.

Further information at: Museum Folkwang