Making It Up: Photographic Fictions

The V&A Photography Library is a new series of accessible, introductory volumes to photography, illustrated with unprecedented access to the V&A's photography collection. Making It Up: Photographic Fictions, written by Marta Weiss, Curator of Photographs at the V&A, explores how photography has been used to depict fiction as well as fact, with over 130 photographs supported by extended commentaries and an introduction. It demonstrates that this way of working is almost as old as the practice itself, and that remarkable photographic fictions, created by early practitioners such as Lewis Carroll and Roger Fenton, internationally renowned artists such as Cindy Sherman and Jeff Wall, or contemporary figures such as Hannah Starkey and Bridget Smith, find new and intriguing relevance in our 'post-truth age'.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2018
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

The V&A Photography Library is a groundbreaking series of accessible, introductory volumes that delve into the core themes, works, objects, and individuals that have shaped the world of photography. Illustrated with unparalleled access to the V&A's extensive photography collection, the oldest held by a public museum and considered one of the largest and most exquisite collections globally, this library has been expanded through acquisitions from the Royal Photographic Society collection. Authored by Marta Weiss, Curator of Photographs at the V&A, and published in conjunction with the opening of the V&A's new Photography Centre in autumn 2018, Making It Up: Photographic Fictions explores the fascinating history of photography as a medium that has been used to depict both fiction and fact.

Throughout its evolution, photography has played a pivotal role in shaping visual narratives, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. This captivating book showcases over 130 photographs accompanied by extensive commentaries and an introduction, highlighting that the approach of staging, constructing, or creating tableaus in contemporary art photography is nearly as old as the practice itself.

By presenting a diverse range of work from early photographers such as Lewis Carroll and Roger Fenton to internationally renowned artists like Cindy Sherman and Jeff Wall, as well as contemporary figures like Hannah Starkey and Bridget Smith, Making It Up: Photographic Fictions dismantles the notion that the camera always tells the truth. Instead, it demonstrates that the opposite can be true, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the power of photographic fiction.

These remarkable photographic fictions, whether created in the early days of photography or by contemporary artists, hold a newfound relevance in our era of "post-truth." They challenge our perceptions, provoke our emotions, and remind us of the intricate interplay between truth and illusion. Through their visual storytelling, they invite us to reflect on the complexities of our world and the role that photography plays in shaping our understanding of it.

The V&A Photography Library's commitment to accessibility and education makes this series an invaluable resource for photographers, art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of photographic history. By providing a platform for diverse perspectives and artistic expressions, it fosters a deeper appreciation for the medium and its enduring impact on our visual culture.

Weight: 968g
Dimension: 257 x 200 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500480373