About Me

Close

(The Secret Party)

One might be forgiven for thinking that Judith Erwes’ photographs are documents of the real.
Her work is scattered throughout by what appear to be real models and locations, real friends and families, real lovers and loners, real memories.
In reality, most of her images aren't anymore real than the stages in which they are set, as every photograph that she has taken
has first existed within her imagination. In fact, Judith takes very little from what is not already hers. Occasional quirks and
serendipitous happenstance do feature within her work but more than ‘taking’ photographs, Judith uses the medium
of photography to give something back, something that has been stripped from us by the often shock tactic of the press
photograph, the often narcissistic allure of the fashion image and the insistency of critique within the art world.
If anything connects the variety of genres within Judith's practice, it is a deep respect and fondness for those who go out of their way to make life’s image more beautiful; who, by way of their unique creativity give us the opportunity to enjoy the best of what life can give.

Although meticulously planned and carefully controlled, Judith's photographs are not cynical imitations or fantastical simulacra. On the contrary, her skilful creations build the conditions in which her subjects and viewers can find a momentary respite from the anxieties of chance and irresolution. Meaning here is unpretentiously defined, it appears to be taken care of, and as a consequence, when Judith's work holds our gaze, it also holds us close to its intentions; it cares for us and cares about our experience of it. And although deeply nostalgic, her images are in no way melancholic. Judith recognizes
that even within the crafted image, nothing can be exactly as it was or even how it should have been. Her elegant and playful styling and striking compositions are not statements about what was or is missing from life. Rather, they are celebrations of the timeless splendor and style of the everyday, of everyday that should be a positive day and a day to remember.

Judith Erwes lives and works in London.
Her client and publication list includes Gucci, i-D Magazine, Vice, Vogue Italia,Next Level, Capricious, Grafik, the Guardian/Observer,The Independent Magazine and Zeit Magazin among others.
Over the last few years Judith has created and produced several books of her work. Her books were exhibited during Tokyo Art
Book Fair, London Art Book Fair, Milan & Bologna Art Book Fair and Basel Art Book Fair among many other European and international fairs.

All materials and images Copyright © Judith Erwes 2010-26

All rights reserved