Carrie
Mae Weems

Multidisciplinary Artist

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When you think of a photograph, what comes to mind? Is it a snapshot of a memory, a fleeting moment captured in time, or perhaps a reflection of the world as it is, or as it could be? For Carrie Mae Weems, photography has always been a medium for storytelling, exploration and self-discovery.

Born in 1953 in Portland, Oregon, Weems grew up in a family that valued creativity and expression. Her passion for art took root at an early age and her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From her humble beginnings to her current status as an internationally renowned artist, Weems’ work has stirred audiences and garnered critical acclaim across the globe.

But what makes her work so engaging? Let’s embark on a journey through the art of Carrie Mae Weems, and uncover the essence of her immersive, thought-provoking works.

Untitled, The Kitchen Table Series, 1990 · Gelatine Silver Print · c. 69.1 x 69.1 (cm) · © Carrie Mae Weems

"It's fair to say that black folks operate under a cloud of invisibility - this too is part of the work, is indeed central to [my photographs]... This invisibility - this erasure out of the complex history of our life and time - is the greatest source of my longing."

Passion ignited: The early years

Carrie Mae Weems’ passion for photography was ignited in the 1970s when she received her first camera as a gift. This seemingly ordinary present would prove to be life-changing, sparking an insatiable curiosity for the world around her. Would you have guessed that this simple gift would set the stage for an illustrious career in the world of art?

Weems began her formal education at the California Institute of the Arts, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1981. She went on to obtain a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, San Diego, and completed postgraduate studies in folklore at the University of California, Berkeley.

Throughout her academic journey, Weems honed her artistic skills and developed her unique voice, delving into the complexities of race, gender, and class through her work. Her early projects, such as “Family Pictures and Stories” (1981-1982) and “Ain’t Jokin'” (1987-1988), laid the groundwork for a career defined by thought-provoking and socially engaged art.

 

Exploring identity and power

Weems’ work often confronts the issues of race, gender, and power, deftly using photography to challenge the viewer’s preconceived notions and expectations. A prime example of this is her seminal series, “The Kitchen Table” (1990). Here, Weems creates a series of photographs depicting herself and other characters in various domestic situations, all set around a kitchen table.

This ordinary setting becomes a stage for exploring the dynamics of relationships, power, and identity. By placing herself at the centre of the narrative, Weems questions the roles assigned to women, particularly African American women, in society. In doing so, she encourages the viewer to reflect on their own experiences and assumptions.

Have you ever considered how the roles we play in our everyday lives are shaped by societal expectations and norms? Weems’ art offers us an opportunity to engage with these questions, providing a space for contemplation and self-reflection.

BLACK WOMAN WITH CHICKEN, Aint Joking’ Series, 1987 - 1988 · Photography · © Carrie Mae Weems

BLACK MAN HOLDING WATERMELON, Ain’t Joking’ Series, 1987 - 1988 · Photography · © Carrie Mae Weems

MIRROR MIRROR (LOOKING INTO THE MIRROR, THE BLACK WOMAN ASKED, "MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL, WHO'S THE FINEST OF THEM ALL?" THE MIRROR SAYS, "SNOW WHITE, YOU BLACK BITCH, AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT!!!”), Ain’t Joking’ Series, 1987 - 1988 · Photography · © Carrie Mae Weems

WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T GIVE A BLACK PERSON?, Ain’t Joking’ Series, 1987 - 1988 · Photography · © Carrie Mae Weems

Untitled, The Kitchen Table Series, 1990 · Gelatine Silver Print · c. 69.1 x 69.1 (cm) · Location · © Carrie Mae Weems

Untitled, Family Pictures and Stories Series, 1981 - 1982 · Photography · © Carrie Mae Weems

A multi-layered visual experience

Carrie Mae Weems’ work often incorporates text, video, and installation elements, creating an immersive and multi-layered visual experience. In her series “From Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried” (1995-1996), for example, Weems uses found historical photographs of enslaved African Americans, altering and overlaying them with text to create an evocative commentary on the history of race and representation in the United States.

The addition of text to this series not only provides context but also encourages the viewer to confront the often uncomfortable truths about the images and their societal implications. By combining photography with other mediums, Weems demonstrates her ability to reflect on the more uncomfortable aspects of existence, creating thought-provoking art that engages and challenges her audience.

 

An international influence

Although Carrie Mae Weems is an American artist, her work has had a profound impact on the global art scene, particularly within the United Kingdom and Europe. In recent years, her art has been exhibited in prestigious institutions such as the Tate Modern in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Weems’ work has resonated with art lovers and artists alike, inspiring a new generation of creatives to explore themes of identity, power, and representation in their own work. Her influence has undoubtedly contributed to a broader and more diverse artistic landscape, fostering a richer and more inclusive dialogue in the world of contemporary art.

 

The legacy continues

Carrie Mae Weems’ impact on the art world is undeniable. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades and awards, including the MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant in 2013 and the US Department of State’s Medal of Arts in 2012.

Despite her success, Weems remains committed to her artistic practice and continues to produce captivating and thought-provoking work. Works like “Grace Notes: Reflections for Now” (2016), a multimedia performance piece, and the 2020 installation piece “The Push, The Call, The Scream, The Dream”, continue to resonate –  addressing themes of race, violence, and reconciliation in the contemporary United States.

As a testament to her ongoing influence, Weems was also invited to participate in the prestigious 2022 Venice Biennale. In addition, Weems then won the Hasselblad Award in 2023, making her the first Black women artist to receive the prize, and further solidifying her position as a leading figure in contemporary art.

YOU BECAME A SCIENTIFIC PROFILE, From Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried Series , 1995 - 1996 · Toned Prints (1 of 33) · © Carrie Mae Weems

AND I CRIED, From Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried Series , 1995 - 1996 · Toned Prints (1 of 33) · © Carrie Mae Weems

So, what is it about Carrie Mae Weems’ work that leaves such a lasting impression on those who encounter it? Perhaps it’s the way she invites us to question our own assumptions about race, gender, and power, or the masterful way she combines photography with other mediums to create immersive and thought-provoking narratives. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that Weems’ art will undoubtedly continue to inspire, challenge, and provoke thought for generations to come.

As we celebrate her incredible accomplishments and contributions, let us also reflect on the power of art to transform our understanding of ourselves and the world around us – a power that Weems has harnessed so masterfully.

 

· Banner Image : Untitled (Man and Woman Eating), The Kitchen Table Series, 1990 · Gelatine Silver Print · c. 69.1 x 69.1 (cm) · © Carrie Mae Weems

The Hampton Project, 2000 · Installation View at Württembergischer Kunstverein Stuttgart, 2022・Photo © Hans D. Christ・© Carrie Mae Weems

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