AnnMarie Tornabene

I am a photographer who has spent almost two decades exploring self-portraiture. The concept originally stemmed from the question of beauty and how I could make myself believe I was beautiful despite what society thought of me, a.k.a. the large woman.

As time goes by, the journey of self-exploration has expanded. My images have evolved into narrative imagery, sometimes fairy-tale and romantic in nature that hint at contemporary ideologies. Always performing for the camera, I set up dramas either within the confines of my studio or in isolated outside locations that make up the backdrops of my stories.

With my recent work incorporating extensive use of digital technology and experimenting with video, I move back and forth between traditional photography and contemporary media, also moving between fantasy and reality.

I graduated from Long Island University/CW Post with a BFA in Photography, magna cum laude. I have won several awards, been published and exhibit internationally. I have been reviewed in The New York Times, Newsday, and other printed media and internet venues including several art blogs that present my work. I have spoken at colleges, universities and artists’ groups and my images have invoked essays and prose. My work is included in several personal and institutional collections in the US, Canada, UK, Hungary and Japan.