Catherine Yass creates photographs and films that explore the relationship between physical and psychological space, namely how environments are constructed and experienced by their inhabitants, through an emphasis on temporal duration. Her signature photographic method involves manipulating both the exposure and development of the film, layering a positive transparency on top of a negative. Yass then realizes the resultant images as lightboxes, prints, and films. Her technique yields images that are richly coloured, ethereal abstractions that embody the dualities of reality and illusion, presence and absence.
A Turner prize nominee, major commissions by Yass include Decommissioned, The Jewish Community Centre of London, England, 2013; _Rambert, _Rambert Dance Company, England, 2013; and _Split Sides, _Merce Cunningham, Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York, 2003.
For one of Yass’s most recent projects, _Piano, _she suspended a grand piano above the former building that housed the BBC. Yass has shown in numerous museums and galleries worldwide including the Tate Modern, England; Irish Museum of Modern Art, Ireland; Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney, Australia; Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Israel; Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, Ohio; and Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. Solo exhibitions of Yass’s films have been presented at the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri, and the Centre for Contemporary Arts Glasgow, Scotland. Her works are in numerous public collections including the Tate, England; Jewish Museum, New York; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.; and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Scotland. Yass was born in 1963 in London, England, where she currently lives and works.
Courtesy Galerie Lelong & Co. New York

A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services