Under this mask, another mask

April 12, 2011 1:53 PM

I'm in training - don't kiss me - Daniel Douglas aka Claude Courlis aka Claude Cahun was a French artist, photographer and self confessed narcissist.
She began a long lasting relationship and collaboration with her stepsister Suzanne Malherbe aka Marcel Moore at an early age.
Cahun was imprisoned by the Nazis and condemmed to death but was released shortly before the war ended. She left a diary; and Jersey Heritage Trust has more.
She was also a writer. A short video of some of her self portraits as a slide show.
posted by adamvasco (7 comments total)

Amazing. Never heard of her before. This is metafilter at its best.
posted by VikingSword at 1:58 PM on April 12, 2011

metafilter at its best.

Yes, it is.
posted by StickyCarpet at 2:00 PM on April 12, 2011

Thanks for this! Incredible artist. I made a fanzine about her.
posted by TheGoodBlood at 2:12 PM on April 12, 2011

I saw an exhibition of her photography years ago-- I've never forgotten it. Delighted to see this here; thank you.
posted by jokeefe at 2:15 PM on April 12, 2011

Loved her since the moment I first saw one of those startling self portraits about 5 years ago. She was totally alone, way ahead of her time.
posted by fire&wings at 2:41 PM on April 12, 2011

Thank you for this, amazing pictures and fascinating story. Can't wait to delve into it more.
posted by DrGirlfriend at 3:00 PM on April 12, 2011

A witty and provoking article on Cahun by Terry Castle in the London Review of Books.
posted by verstegan at 3:53 PM on April 12, 2011 [2 favorites]