Carrot Cake #1, 1980

Joel-Peter Witkin is an American photographer. He is famous for his subjects, which include those with physical deformities, dwarves, people who are intersex and also transsexuals. Peter Witkin’s work is also infused with themes about death and images of corpses. While Peter Witkin is known for creating complex scenes for his photographic images, he also uses techniques such as toning or bleaching his prints, scratching his negatives or using other hands-on work as the negatives are developing. His images are often called tableaux due to the way that the subject matter is often mixed with props and scenery specifically constructed to create a portrait of an entire event or thematic, yet dark view, of a world. Because Peter Witkin often uses dismembered parts, corpses and amputated parts from insane asylums or medical schools, which is restricted in the United States; he circumvents the law by conducting his photography sessions in Mexico. His photography often seeks to create viewer reaction by confronting societal norms with visions of what might be taboo seem desirable. His photos are sexually charged and determined to make the grotesque desirable. Joel-Peter Witkin is often compared to Renaissance artists because of the way he prepares for his photography sessions. He sketches his compositions in advance, plans carefully for every part of his tableaux and organizes every detail before he ever enters his studio to photograph. He uses religious, classical, literary and historical references to challenge the morals and thoughts of his viewers. His work has been exhibited in The Museum of Modern Art, The J. Paul Getty Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Centre Georges Pompidou, the National Gallery in London, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.