Laurie Simmons

About

This New York-based artist is famous for Tourism, Water Ballet, the Black Series, Walking & Lying Objects, and other photography and film projects featuring ventriloquist dummies and dolls. She received numerous honors for her work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Arts Grant.

Before Fame

She graduated in 1971 from the Tyler School of Art. Several years later, her debut solo exhibition, "Early Color Interiors," opened at New York City's Artists Space.

Trivia

She collaborated with fashion designers Peter Jensen and Thakoon Panichgul on the creation of clothing collections.

Family Life

Her marriage to fellow artist Carroll Dunham resulted in two daughters. Her older daughter, Lena Dunham, became a successful film actress, director, and screenwriter; her younger daughter, Grace Dunham, became an actress as well.

Associated With

Her debut art film, The Music of Regret, featured dancers from the famous Alvin Ailey company, as well as a performance by Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep.