Laurie Simmons has continued to produce fantastic photographic works using toys, ventriloquist's dummies, and everyday objects. Before moving to New York City, where she began to see the limitless potential of photograhy, Simmons had started collecting toys and dollhouse accessories, which inspired her to begin photographing them in domestic scenarios. Although her content changes, she continues to create imaginative environments through the heightened sense of space, color and light. Her photographs come as a series, and when a series ends, the next one follows in the style of a narrative. Magnum Opus II (the Bye-Bye) is the final installment of her "Walking Objects" series. A stage set with a handbag, a gun, and a globe, all with disembodied doll legs, is inspired by nostalgia for her childhood. (HH)

(Born in Far Rockaway, New York, U.S.A. 1949, and lives in New York City, U.S.A.)

Painted Ballet (Les Sylphides)

1983
dye destruction print, edition 1/5
73.66 x 100.33 cm
Collection Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Albert H. Tracy Fund, 1983
©Laurie Simmons
Courtesy: Sperone Westwater, New York

Magnum Opus II (the Bye-Bye)

1991
gelatin silver print, edition 1/5
137,16 x 241,3 cm
Collection Albright-Knox Art Gallery
By exchange, Castellani Family Fund
and General Purchase Funds, 2006
©Laurie Simmons
Courtesy: Sperone Westwater, New York