“Magnum Opus“ AVEDON
Iconic American photographer Richard Avedon’s exhibition at Detroit Institute of Arts was nothing less than a visual wonder !! Known for combining technical innovation with timeless glamour & elegance . His collection of portraits & fashion photography from 1944-2000 was high on stark compositions & emotions . A classic visual orator, captured famous models & actors like Dovima , Bridgette Bardot , Marlin Monroe , Audrey Hepburn,Twiggy & socialites like Marella Agnelli in live action thus exposing their innate self . He often chose city backdrops where common people would be artistically combined in his frames. work includes a visual reportage of people like miners,cowboys in his bestselling book In the American West. Avedon was also one of the first fashion photographers to capture African-American model from Detroit Donyale Luna and the Eurasian model China Machado. What was most inspiring in the exhibition were particularly his B&W pictures from 1940s to 1960s ! Most of his photographs then were taken for brands like Christian Dior & Balenciaga .The beauty of the compositions is reflected from the unique angles that seem to converse profoundly with the spectators.
Phil Poynter work on Lacoste is quite an example of how inspiring was Avedon.
Avedon magically imbued his subjects with an ineffable, romantic frisson. His photos must lurk in the back of many photographers’ minds as the archetype to strive for. Gotta love ‘em.
Cheers,
Jim
(http://www.grassfedart.com)