Staging the Self

In a single decade known as the Golden Twenties artist Marta Astfalck-Vietz (1901–1994) authored an iridescent opus of self-enactments, nude and dance photography and experimental images. She worked behind the camera and in front of it – photographer, director and model all in one. Astfalck-Vietz observed gender roles in the Weimar Republic with humour, wielding her camera with confidence to depict the versatile potential for female identity. Incorporating masks, theatrical poses and grotesque elements she forged a style which combined private introspection with social and political issues.

In its 50th anniversary year, the Berlinische Galerie is dedicating an extensive solo exhibition with more than 140 works to Marta Astfalck-Vietz.