The Blatant Image: A Magazine of Feminist Photography, No. 1; with: ALS from Jan Phillips

Sunny Valley, Oregon: The Blatant Image, 1981. First issue of The Blatant Image: A Magazine of Feminist Photography, published by the lesbian commune Rootworks in Sunny Valley, Oregon, “a town so small it does not even have a post office.” Edited by a collective of Rootworks members, The Blatant Image would appear annually for three years, aiming “to change the ways women see the world and, secondarily, the ways the world sees women.” This first issue features images from sixty women photographers who responded to an open call for submissions, accompanied by critical and historical essays. Included are the first published photographs by art student Carrie Mae Weems, including work that would appear in her MFA exhibition, Family Pictures and Stories. Weems would go on to become one of the most influential modern American photographers in the wake of her 1990 breakthrough project, The Kitchen Table Series. This copy includes a handwritten note from Rootworks member Jan Phillips, one of the founders of The Blatant Image, who contributed five photographs of her own to the issue, as well as an essay on “Integrating Life and Work.” Writing to a filmmaker named “Shirley,” Phillips hopes that she will enjoy the magazine, and invites her to visit Oregon, giving “the Wonder Women number” as the best contact. A near-fine presentation copy. Perfect-bound volume, measuring 10.75 x 8.25 inches: 96. Original black-and-white photographic wrappers, black-and-white photographs throughout text. Lightest shelfwear. With: ALS from editor Jan Phillips, measuring 9 x 6 inches, presenting this copy. (Inventory #: 1004014)