Me, Ophelia

15 February 2008 - 18 May 2008

In 1851-1852 John Everett Millais painted a canvas that would become his most famous work: Ophelia. This compelling picture of the tragic heroine of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, floating in the water, has inspired artists for generations. Striking parallels to Millais’s oeuvre are to be found in the work of contemporary photographers, such as Rineke Dijkstra, Hellen van Meene, Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin. The influence of Ophelia is noticeable in the models’ vacant expressions, the hushed atmosphere of the compositions and the alienating surroundings. Until 18 May a selection of these photographs is presented in Me, Ophelia.

Ophelia is also referred to in film and pop music. For instance, Nick Cave and Kylie Minogue based their music video where the wild roses grow on the painting by Millais. Another example is the cover picture of PJ Harvey's album To bring you my love.

Visit wikipedia for more contemporary references to Ophelia.

For more photogaphy inspired by Millais and Ophelia, please visit our John Everett Millais group at flickr.com and join in!