Art has the power to captivate, inspire, and leave an indelible mark on those who encounter it. For Anouska, two books in particular hold deep personal significance, each offering a unique glimpse into the worlds of photography and painting. Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron: Portraits to Dream In by Magdalene Keaney transports her into an ethereal dreamscape, where the haunting beauty of two pioneering photographers is brought to life. Meanwhile, Egon Schiele Drawings & Watercolours by Jane Kallir takes her back to the moment she first discovered Schiele’s raw, expressive style—one that challenged conventions and left an unforgettable impression on her as a young admirer of art. Here, Anouska shares why these books mean so much to her and the lasting impact they have had on her artistic journey.
Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron: Portraits to Dream In by Magdalene Keaney
"This is my new favourite photography book which I bought last year when I went to see their exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. It was one of my absolute favourite exhibitions as I am a great admirer of both photographers. I found the juxtaposition of the work to be hauntingly beautiful as if you were in a fairytale dreamscape. The exhibition was made even more special because I went with a dear friend of mine who is directly related to Julia Margaret Cameron and as we walked through the space I was given little snippets of insight about some of the muses and it made the whole experience just that extra bit special."
Egon Schiele Drawings & Watercolours by Jane Killar
"I discovered Schiele's works when I was about 14. I had been a huge fan of Gustav Klimt and through his incredible works I discovered his apprentice Egon Schiele. His drawings and paintings such as Black-Haired Nude Girl, Standing 1910 was something I had never seen before and I think at such a young age it really imprinted one me. I just fell in love with his prolific style which was seen as pornographic during the time period and was highly criticised. He created over 3,000 drawings and paintings as well as a vast body of oil paintings in a 12 year period which is incredible considering he died at the age of twenty-eight."
February, 2025
