William Mortensen

William Mortensen was a photographer who worked mainly between 1920-40 taking amazing photographs with a romantic, painterly quality. His early work includes many portraits of Hollywood actresses and actors. Mortensen used particular chemicals in the developing process of his images to make many of them look more like a painting than a photograph. The result is truly striking artwork that is incredibly captivating. Not only did Mortensen have his distinct (and unpopular with other photographers) style, but his subject matter is also a little peculiar. A fascination with monsters, the supernatural and witchcraft is present in his personal work. As Mortensen would have had his birthday a few days ago (Jan 27) making him the oddball Aquarian of the Zodiac, it makes perfect sense that his work was totally different to his contemporaries. So much that he was even likened to the ‘anti-Christ’. A little far-fetched I would argue, but I do love his work pretty deeply and I do adore Von Trier’s film Antichrist which only makes me wonder what people would say about me? But in all seriousness I am so glad he is being fully appreciated today and am honoured to share his work. I have included a selection of his witch-inclined images below for you to enjoy. Go be naughty! Cackle. x

  

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