Richard Avedon (1923-2004, United States) began his career as a fashion photographer for Harper’s Bazaar magazine after World War II. Avedon largely avoided studio photography preferring to capture his images on the city streets, in nightclubs, at the beach, and in various unusual locations, which became the hallmark of his images. In parallel to his fashion photography, Avedon began forming his unique language in portraiture, characterized by its clarity, which reveals his sitters’ characters in sharp relief. Avedon photographed many members of the higher echelons of American society – politicians, creators and artists, and in contrast, also activists from America’s radical left, criminals, and people living on the fringes of society.
Related exhibition: Prima Facie
Further information: www.avedonfoundation.org
Richard Avedon, Dick Hickock, murderer; and Perry Smith, murderer, April 1960, 1960, Platinum-palladium print
Richard Avedo, The Chicago Seven, 1969, Triptych, Flush-mounted to linen
Richard Avedon, Andy Warhol, Artist, New York, August 1969, 1975, Gelatin silver print
Richard Avedon, June Leaf, sculptress, Mabou Mines, Nova Scotia, July 17 1975, Gelatin silver print