For this writing commission Anneka French has used the phrase ‘I am reaching out to you’ as its title and starting point . The text is a blend of critical reflection, and creative fictional and autobiographical writing. The critical element of her text analyses photographic works by Carrie Mae Weems and Elinor Carucci and reflects on a selection of intimate and domestic from Weems’ ‘Family Pictures and Stories’ (1981-2) and ‘The Kitchen Table Series’ (1990), alongside Carucci’s ‘Closer’ (1990s-2000s) series.

The research and text resonates during the Covid crisis as it is a multi layered meditation on the pandemic period as the writer has experienced it, from an acknowledged place of personal privilege, from home and through photographs. The text is interwoven with memories, new poems and diary- like entries and is a commentary on isolation, intimacy, parenthood, domesticity and family.

About the writer

Anneka’s wider practice also includes independent curatorial work and art journalism for publications such as Art Quarterly, Photomonitor and a-n news. Anneka currently holds the roles of Editorial Manager at contemporary art magazine ‘this is tomorrow’ and Co-ordinator at regional visual arts network New Art West Midlands.

www.annekafrench.wordpress.com

Image Credit: I am reaching out to you, Anneka French