The Long Exposure of Francesca Woodman

Elizabeth Gumport

George and Betty Woodman

Francesca Woodman: House #3, Providence, Rhode Island, 1976

Given that her complete catalogue is composed almost entirely of work she produced as a student, the posthumous critical esteem for American photographer Francesca Woodman is astonishing. Unlike music or math, where precocious displays of talent are not uncommon, photography tends not to have prodigies. Woodman, who committed suicide in 1981 at age 22, is considered a rare exception.