Olivia Crumm's 'Wake' Series Explores Grief Through Photography
Photographer Olivia Crumm, based in Brooklyn, created the series 'Wake' after her father's death from Alzheimer's disease two years ago. Using a large-format camera, she choreographs scenes with friends, family, and herself to embody the surreal and everyday aspects of grief. Crumm studied photography at Bard College and earned a master's degree from Yale University in 2025. Her influences include Julia Margaret Cameron, Lieko Shiga, Rosalind Fox Solomon, and Larry Sultan's photobook 'Pictures from Home' (1992). The series employs black-and-white film, mirrors, and archival images of her father to explore memory and loss. Crumm is a shortlisted artist for the 2026 Aperture Portfolio Prize.
Key facts
- Olivia Crumm created the series 'Wake' after her father's death from Alzheimer's disease.
- The series began two years ago.
- Crumm uses a large-format camera to photograph friends, family, and herself.
- She studied photography at Bard College and earned a master's from Yale University in 2025.
- Her influences include Julia Margaret Cameron, Lieko Shiga, Rosalind Fox Solomon, and Larry Sultan.
- The series uses black-and-white film and mirrors to create a surreal atmosphere.
- Archival images of her father appear throughout the series.
- Crumm is a shortlisted artist for the 2026 Aperture Portfolio Prize.
Entities
Artists
- Olivia Crumm
- Julia Margaret Cameron
- Lieko Shiga
- Rosalind Fox Solomon
- Larry Sultan
Institutions
- Bard College
- Yale University
- Aperture Foundation
Locations
- Brooklyn
- United States