Her Own Myth.

The first time I happened upon Loie Fuller, she was a passing reference; A footnote in a book I was studying. Dismissed as 'nothing but a display of colours', I soon discovered she was so much more. Not only did she reinvent performance art, but she learnt how to reinvent herself. She was one of the first and true stars.

To describe her artwork, I would have to unveil the many layers of fabric and textile that she wrapped around herself. Hidden beneath this material existed a skeletal structure of wooden rods. This meant that every action, every muscular twitch, could then be transfigured into voluminous swirls and shapes. It was a new form of body language. This was then punctuated by a complex system of lighting that was built into the stage flooring. As Loie Fuller floated across the stage, she flickered before the audience. (I should mention, this was all happening in the nineteenth century!)

This remarkable woman lived her life off the stage just as dramatically - In love, she had her heartbroken on the discovery of her husbands bigamy. In business, despite being one of the highest grossing stars of her time, she continuouly faced finacial ruin. And in general, her health gradually diminished due to the nature of her work. And yet this was not enough. She mingled with royalty and the artistic elite. She constantly reinvented herself. Her memoirs were fluid, and often rephrased. Her tale is not just one of from rags to riches, but one of living art.

Lets Start At The Very Beginning.

Hi all,

As you hopefully know by now, my name is Grace. After completing a degree in the History of Art and English Literature, and graduating about two months ago, my life has been a bit of a whirlwind. I got this fantastic new job working for the Galerie St George, New York! Just think of me as Simon Cowell but of the art world, and without the high waisted trousers... Basically I get to go out and meet all the amazing artistic talent that is scattered throughout the UK, creating exhibitions and generating sales.

This is a huge opportunity to start a career in an industry I love! As I figure my way through this wild world of paint splatterings, brush strokes and carvings, this blog shall be my attempt to keep track of it all whist venting my passion.

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