This body of work is a series of staged photographs featuring still life compositions with a female figure. In the history of art, still life paintings have traditionally been characterized by the total absence of the human figure.

Women, on the other hand, have been portrayed throughout the centuries as objects intended for the male gaze. They were often depicted nude, passive, and avoiding direct eye contact with the viewer. Their averted gaze facilitated their transformation into objects. By incorporating women into staged still life scenes, this series challenges the perception of women as objects in art while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of the still life genre. It raises questions about how a female figure is perceived when presented as an object within a still life and whether her gaze—directed at or away from the viewer—alters our perception of her as an object.

About Lanie Klein

Lanie Klein is an award-winning photographer born in the United States. She earned a BA from Barnard College and an MA from Columbia University in New York. Currently, she works as an independent artist. Klein has received international recognition in numerous photography competitions, including AAP, LensCulture, the Julia Margaret Cameron Awards, Sony WPA, and the International Color Awards. Her work has been featured in both solo and group exhibitions. Notable exhibitions include a solo show at Tel Aviv Artists House (2024) and group exhibitions at institutions such as the Naggar School of Art, Jerusalem (2021), ICCY Jerusalem (2017), and Aaron Faber Gallery, NYC (1986). Her work is part of the collection at the Yeshiva University Museum in New York City, as well as various private collections. [Official Website]