In his series Arachnia, the Parisian journalist and photographer probes the representation of women by revisiting the myth of the legendary Lydian weaver transformed into a spider by the goddess Athena.

From text to image, Anna Prudhomme explores art in all its forms in her creative process, highlighting the work of female artists who inspire her. This former student of socio-political studies, who holds a master's degree in journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, collaborates with several magazines and fashion houses. 

At the same time, she developed her photographic practice, inherited from her father, a war reporter. This virtuoso shaped her own vision on film, between portrait and landscape. With her series ArachniaIt revisits Greek mythology through the destiny of the eponymous young Lydian, a timeless figure of rebellion who dared to challenge Athena in the art of weaving and of whom there are different versions of the story. 

Refusing to submit to the dictates of the Olympian gods, the young mortal Arachne puts her artistic and crafting talents to good use in a competition. Alas, the unfortunate girl falls victim to the wrath of her multifaceted rival, daughter of Zeus and Metis, who transforms her into a hairy, eight-legged creature. 

Freedom, strength and courage

Anna Prudhomme's series analyzes how the imaginaries, figures, and constructions of femininity still constitute inextricable links. Adèle Farine, Paloma Vauthier, Angèle Metzger, Salomé Rose Stein, Anna Gardere, Kauda Pharaon, Lily Taïeb, Mimi Guizani, Yoa, and Yolanda all come from the emerging Parisian art and film scene. 

With ten portraits of these ten creative women against a black background, the photographer creates a space for play and subversion of social representations of femininity. She chooses to display them under a tulle veil, like a symbol of the canvas, between trap and protection, thus representing this duality from which it is nevertheless possible to escape. 

A rendering that is both sensual and mysterious, which she captures on 35mm film in black and white and accompanies with a poem of her own creation. “My images question all these constructions that confine women to ambivalent roles – prey or predator, muse or creator – and explore how these figures can be deconstructed, distorted and reappropriated.”she explains. 

Through her series, Anna Prudhomme offers a tribute to those who, like Arachne, never cease to "weave their own story and risk taking the place they deserve."

annaprudhomme.com