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Ellen von Unwerth’s Bavarian fantasy
"We Can Do It" (2015) —
In her "Heimat" series, German photographer Ellen von Unwerth gives pastoral Bavaria a subversive twist.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
"The Big Catch" (2015) —
The photos have been compiled in a 454-page art tome published by Taschen, which is accompanied by a gallery show at the publisher's Los Angeles exhibition space.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
"Carrying the Goods" (2015) —
"It's a parody of Bavaria," von Unwerth says. "You have those women with the busts to fill out those dirndl, and the lederhosen, you know, it's so sexy."
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
"Milk Maids" (2014) —
Von Unwerth first moved to Bavaria from Frankfurt when she was 12. Though she initially found the culture to be overly traditional and conservative, she now feels a sense of nostalgia for the place.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
"On the High Horse" (2015) —
The German word "heimat" translates roughly to "homeland." After World War II, German heimat films idealized pastoral scenery, focusing on the natural beauty and provincialism found in rural areas.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
"Hunting Season" (2015) —
Von Unwerth staged her scenes in locations had not yet been modernized. Some photos are set on mountainsides, and inside domestic farmhouses and huge wooden barns.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
"The Cooks" (2015) —
Von Unwerth set out to depict strong women enjoying themselves in a way that is both subversive and sexual.
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
"Woodcutting Drama" (2015) —
"I have the girls working with the woods, being woodcutters and working with iron, and in situations like this they are replacing the guys," Von Unwerth says. "Men are always more accessories in my pictures."
Courtesy Ellen von Unwerth
"Heimat" by Ellen von Unwerth, published by Taschen, is out now. The exhibition is on at the Taschen Gallery in Los Angeles until May 2, 2017.