Artists photographic reflections: Imag(in)ing the art museum through fictional narratives

Abstract

This paper examines how artists employ photography to investigate and challenge the museum. It makes particular reference to the work of three women artists: Louise Lawler, Sophie Calle and Diane Neumaier. Their work is discussed with reference to the concept of the fictional and the ways in which photography can function as a frame within which museum hegemony, the viewing experience and arts commodification are questioned. Finally, digital photography and online manifestations of imaginary institutions are considered, suggesting that perhaps a new virtual frame emerges for the production of fictions that allows us to reimagine both photography and the museum.