Sharon Core

Sharon Core is a distinguished American artist and photographer recognized for her precise and intellectually rigorous explorations into the history of image-making, particularly within the still life genre. Active primarily between 2003 and 2011, her focused body of work questions the authenticity of both the original subject and its photographic depiction, often blurring the lines between reproduction and original creation. Her prints are held in major collections, including the National Gallery of Art.

Core first achieved critical prominence with the Thiebauds series (2003-2004). This foundational project involved creating meticulously staged photographic interpretations of Wayne Thiebaud’s iconic paintings of mid-century American desserts and diner food. By photographing three-dimensional arrangements based on two-dimensional painted representations, Core established a complex visual dialogue about authorship, nostalgia, and commercialized perfection. The immediate success of this approach led to the acquisition of works such as Candy Counter 1969 (2004) and Confections (2005) by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in 2005, solidifying her early career significance.

Core’s subsequent projects, including Pie Counter and Salads, Sandwiches, and Dessert, continued to deploy a meticulous, almost forensic approach to visual realism. She frequently builds her subjects entirely in the studio, often fabricating the objects themselves, before applying careful lighting and deep focus to create images that appear almost hyper-real yet remain entirely manufactured. This intensive methodology demands exceptional patience and is reflected in the high-quality prints produced during this period.

Her sophisticated visual citations often engage directly with art historical precedents, ranging from 17th-century Dutch vanitas paintings to 19th-century photographic documentation, exemplified by works like Apples in a Porcelain Basket and Lemons. Core’s true innovation lies in her ability to create images so technically flawless they mimic the illusion of paint while simultaneously exposing photography's inherent capacity for deception. Her contributions ensure that Sharon Core prints remain defining examples of contemporary museum-quality photography concerned with perception and artifice.