The Walther Collection

American, 1910-1983

In an extended and self-directed series, outsider artist Eugene von Bruenchenhein of Chicago made thousands of private black-and-white photographs and color slides of his wife, Marie (born Evelyn Kalka). These images often replicate the poses and aesthetic aspirations of arty semi-nude glamour shots or contemporary pinup photography. In these images, Marie enacts a variety of typical feminine roles as she poses seductively before homemade floral backdrops, often nude except for elaborate pearl necklaces and high heels. Whatever von Bruenchenhein's purpose in representing his wife in this fashion, what is significant is Marie's own intervention in the process—not only through her performance of the coquettish feminine poses, but also through her choices of costume and delicate hand coloring of the prints.