Self-identified as pluridisciplinary, Eugene Von Bruenchenhein engraved his various titles on a kitchen tile: “Freelance Artist—Poet and Sculptor—Inovator [sic]— Arrow maker and Plant man—Bone artifacts constructor— Photographer and Architect—Philosopher.” Fascinated by botany and science, he wrote down his metaphysical theories regarding the origins of life, the universe, and genetically coded collective knowledge. His prolific body of work developed over a fifty-year period, starting in the late 1930s. He began experimenting with photography after marrying Eveline Kalke (whom he called Marie) in 1934. He converted his bathroom into a darkroom to print his black-and-white photographs; he also experimented with double exposures. His wife was the main subject of thousands of photographs in which he experimented with various themes, including the pin-up aesthetic, rococo charm, and tropical exoticism. Von Bruenchenhein gave free rein to his fantasies by using drapery, wallpaper, props, and costumes in the settings. The photographs capture Marie’s love for her husband, as well as a certain naivete, occasional discomfort, and modesty in her posture. Von Bruenchenhein continued to take photographs until the 1950s.

Valérie Rousseau, exhibition label for Six Decades Collecting Self-Taught Art: Revealing a Diverse and Rich Artistic Narrative. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2019.