Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam Features Gisela Torres' Poignant 'What Lee Wore'
Foam Fotografiemuseum in Amsterdam shines a spotlight on Gisela Torres' evocative book, "What Lee Wore," as part of its ongoing Book Club series. The publication offers a unique photographic exploration of the iconic Lee Miller's personal wardrobe, transforming a collection of garments into a study of presence and absence. The selection for the Book Club highlights compelling works from both established and emerging artists within the photography world, enriching the discourse around contemporary visual art. Visitors interested in exploring similar themes can find more details about Foam's ongoing book club initiatives.
Discovering Lee Miller's Hidden Legacy Through Photography
The inspiration for "What Lee Wore" stems from artist Gisela Torres' visit to Farleys House and Gallery, the former residence of Lee Miller in the English countryside. Miller, celebrated as a model, fashion photographer, and World War II correspondent, resided at Farleys for 35 years, hosting many prominent 20th-century artists. During her time at Farleys, Torres encountered a surprising scene: Miller’s wardrobe, temporarily housed in an outbuilding, presenting a spectral arrangement of garment bags and tissue paper.
This encounter with Miller's clothing, suspended in time before long-term storage, forms the core of Torres' project. Using both Polaroid and digital cameras, the artist created a series of images that evoke a dreamlike atmosphere. The muted tones and shifting textures capture a sense of Miller's lingering presence, even in her physical absence.
A Book as an Artistic Object
The publication itself reflects the contemplative nature of the artwork. "What Lee Wore" is described as a hauntingly beautiful object, from its delicate stitch-binding to its tissue-like pages. Published by Chateau International in October 2025, the first edition features an essay by Rosalind Jana.
Gisela Torres, an American multidisciplinary artist based in London, is recognized for her practice that blends traditional and contemporary art forms. Her work often delves into narratives where the familiar and the mysterious coexist, using still images, performance, printmaking, and digital technologies. Torres has exhibited internationally at venues including the Freud Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and Royal Academy of Arts in London.
The feature on "What Lee Wore" was penned by Jilke Golbach, a curator at Foam, who develops exhibitions of both historic and contemporary photography. Her curatorial focus includes projects that intersect personal narratives with systemic critique, engaging with themes like gender, sexuality, and urban space.
This curated selection offers art and photography enthusiasts an opportunity to engage with a compelling work that blends historical context with contemporary artistic interpretation. For those interested in acquiring the book, it is available for purchase directly from Foam's online shop.
To learn more about other exhibitions and cultural highlights in the city, explore Musemap (musemap.art) for more museums in Amsterdam or view the local map to plan your next visit.
