Author Description

The Portuguese filmmaker Rui Xavier (b. Porto, 1974; lives and w orks in Lisbon) spent two years shadowing the world-renowned photographer Candida Hfer (b. Eberswalde, 1944; lives and works in Cologne). Hfer, who studied with Bernd and Hilla Becher at the Dsseldorf Academy of Arts, is known for her haunting pictures of libraries, museums, theaters, and opera houses. Xavier's film--a DVD is included with the book--shows the artist as she takes pictures, works in the studio and at home, and prepares exhibitions in far-flung locations including Dsseldorf, London, and So Paulo. Xavier has created a dense and empathetic portrait of the artist; confident in the power of his visuals, he has made a film without words. Reproductions of selected major works by Candida Hfer that appear in the film, a note by her on working with Rui Xavier, an introduction by Herbert Burkert, film stills, and an essay by Xavier shed light on the background and the making of the film as well as the artist's oeuvre.