professional category
Palimpsest (Series)
DESCRIPTION
Each Palimpsest photograph is a compressed memory, my version of Chinese Whispers in which by retelling stories that I do not fully understand, I change information and rationalize according to my own beliefs, biases and cultural background. This act, in which I visually reconstruct a memory, suggests the absence of information and the need to fill in the blanks to make sense of what I’ve seen. The recalling of a past experience is not a neutral act as reflected in the work. It changes my role in making the photographs from observer to participant. Memories and fantasies are intertwined, crossing over and interfering with each other, becoming enhanced and distorted with each recollection as I selectively composite each Palimpsest image to reflect my version of the truth, as if changing the lyrics to a well-known song.
AUTHOR
Wendy Bednarz – Writer/Director, Photographer, Arts Professor, New York University Abu Dhabi
Wendy Bednarz’s career began in NYC’s fashion industry, working for Stephen Sprouse in the old Andy Warhol Factory. There she developed a taste for the off-beat and a love of both still and moving images. These early downtown days segued into a career as a filmmaker, photographer and an educator.
Wendy’s work engages multicultural narratives, screening at venues worldwide including NY MoMA, Montreal World Film Festival and Venice Film Festival, garnering awards such as Cine Golden Eagle and Independent Film Award.
Wendy’s wrote/directed the featurette documentary ‘Burning Money’ (2018) and several narrative shorts including ‘Leaving Gussie’(2007), ‘On Crystal’ (2010) and ‘Aurora’ (2000) – winner ShortFest. Her video installation, ‘Human (de)Value, was exhibited at the Nomad Gallery, Dubai (2020).
Wendy’s photography is exhibited internationally. Her solo show Palimpsest Series Project Space, AD (2019), Drawing Room, Singapore (2013) and ARTifice Traces, ReSignifications, Palermo, Italy (2018).
Wendy initiated Syrian Children’s Storybook (2019), traveling to Turkey where she worked with refugees to write/illustrate their own stories.
Wendy Bednarz’s career began in NYC’s fashion industry, working for Stephen Sprouse in the old Andy Warhol Factory. There she developed a taste for the off-beat and a love of both still and moving images. These early downtown days segued into a career as a filmmaker, photographer and an educator.
Wendy’s work engages multicultural narratives, screening at venues worldwide including NY MoMA, Montreal World Film Festival and Venice Film Festival, garnering awards such as Cine Golden Eagle and Independent Film Award.
Wendy’s wrote/directed the featurette documentary ‘Burning Money’ (2018) and several narrative shorts including ‘Leaving Gussie’(2007), ‘On Crystal’ (2010) and ‘Aurora’ (2000) – winner ShortFest. Her video installation, ‘Human (de)Value, was exhibited at the Nomad Gallery, Dubai (2020).
Wendy’s photography is exhibited internationally. Her solo show Palimpsest Series Project Space, AD (2019), Drawing Room, Singapore (2013) and ARTifice Traces, ReSignifications, Palermo, Italy (2018).
Wendy initiated Syrian Children’s Storybook (2019), traveling to Turkey where she worked with refugees to write/illustrate their own stories.
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