A Lifetime of Images: Rediscovering Elfie Semotan’s Vision
As part of the transitioning phase of Foto Arsenal, a set of events were organised around the city to shorten the waiting of the new Foto Arsenal which will be opened in early 2025 in the Arsenal. Part of this series was a studio visit with Elfie Semotan and a talk with Felix Hoffmann, Artistic Director of the Foto Arsenal Vienna.
You can view all the photos on my gallery website.
For our visit, she curated a selection of prints featuring still lifes from her years in New York alongside striking portraits, with the one of Marina Abramović standing out as particularly remarkable. Equally captivating was her account of collaborating with Maria Lassnig on a portrait project—a remarkable instance of two world-class artists joining forces to create something extraordinary.
Revisiting the Past: A Joyful Rediscovery
In her studio, she prepared a huge set of vintage prints, old magazines as well as photo books for us to dive into. During the visit, it became clear that Semotan’s relationship with her work is far from static. Despite having seen her photographs countless times (I assume), she approached them with fresh eyes, rediscovering their significance and making new connections. Watching her rearrange prints, recall the circumstances in which they were created, and uncover their underlying narratives is a testament to her enduring passion for her craft. It seemed that she was reconnecting with old friends.
This process of revisitation is not just about nostalgia; it’s about growth. Semotan’s ability to see her past work in a new light reflects her ever-evolving understanding of photography and art. She views her archive not as a closed chapter but as a living, breathing entity that continues to inspire her.
A Legacy of Reinvention
What sets Elfie Semotan apart is her refusal to be confined by labels or expectations. Over the decades, she has continually reinvented herself, shifting seamlessly between commercial and artistic endeavors, while maintaining a clear, authentic voice. Her work is marked by a sense of curiosity—a desire to explore the human condition and the world around her through the lens of her camera. She does this even with projects that one would imagine to be quite strict as in the area of advertisements and fashion where she managed to always get in her own vision and style - which often even contradicts with what the commissioner believed. One of my favourites is the series she exhibited 2021 at the Kunsthaus Wien showing a performance dancer with a little black dress.
Her studio furniture features a huge table (an art piece itself) and other places, where one can lay out prints, check them side by side, rearrange them etc. all well lit to see properly.
Conclusion: The Power of Reflection
Elfie Semotan’s journey as a photographer is a powerful reminder of the importance of reflection and reinvention based on an extensive archive in any creative pursuit. By revisiting her work with curiosity and joy, she has kept her vision alive and dynamic. Her atelier is more than just a workspace; it is a testament to a lifetime of creativity: just look at all these art pieces and the huge book shelf she has collected over the years!
For aspiring photographers and art enthusiasts alike, her story is an inspiration—a call to embrace change, value the journey, and always seek new perspectives, even in the familiar. In Elfie Semotan’s world, every photograph is a rediscovery, and every glance back is a step forward.
Felix Hoffmann, Artistic Director of the Foto Arsenal Vienna, trying to explain his thoughts on Semotan’s work
Every item in her studio breathes vintage and a warm, cosy feeling - at least for me.
You can view all the photos on my gallery website.
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