J. Sybylla Smith, In Conversation with Mona Kuhn

Episode #27 Summary:

WORKS presents a retrospective of Brazilian/German photographer Mona Kuhn’s figurative and landscape series which highlight her essential quest to capture the synthesis of mind, body and spirit in still image.

Episode Notes 

By blending technique, process and intent Kuhn brings transcendent reflections to light by exploring shadows. Collaborating with her subjects, all enter into an undefined space to await the moment where art and life coalesce. In this session Kuhn’s restless energy generously shares her meditative photographic practice.   


In this book group, Mona Kuhn discusses, among other things:

  • The humanist influence of Brazilian photographer, Mario Cravo Neto

  • Allowing life to enter one’s work

  • An image which keeps on giving, lasts

  • The role of vulnerability and insecurities to propel work

  • The collaborative role of the subject, their creative freedom which grants them the final decision in allowing publication

  • Being led by shadow

  • Being dressed in your own skin

  • The fecundity of the female

  • Discerning and protecting your visual vocabulary

  • Intuitive intelligence and the abundance of the unconscious

Referenced in the episode

BODY The Photography Book Nathalie Herschdorfer

Lucian Freud

Imogen Cunningham

August Colbert - Origin of the World

Mario Cravo Neto

Christian Cavo’s work

Getty Research Institute



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J. Sybylla Smith, In Conversation with Renée Jacobs

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J. Sybylla Smith, In Conversation with Donna Ferrato