Anke Stäcker

This photo is from my series The Diary of A, created in 2000, investigating erotic self portraiture to reclaim the female body as a site of empowerment and pleasure. The making of this work was a performative labour intensive action in front and behind the camera. I used a twin lens 1950’s Rolleicord and a long shutter release cable without any assistance by other people, having to find ways to get the right focus and exposure. There were always several shots for one idea. Each time I had get up again and manually wind on the film. I took great care to integrate the shutter release cable as an element of the picture. It’s only revealed when you look very closely, becoming an extension of my body and indicating that I am the actor and the director of this performance.