All you need are eyes to see to thoroughly appreciate this outstanding exhibition of portrait photographs by the legendary American photographer, Richard Avedon (1923-2004).
SWITZERLAND – SEPTEMBER 04: Richard Avedon and Maurice Brjart in Lausanne, Switzerland on September 04, 1998 – Richard Avedon shooting choreographer Maurice Bejart. (Photo by Philippe PACHE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Credit: Philippe PACHE / contributor
The 80 black and white photographs feature fashion shoots, artists, celebrities, countercultural leaders as well as characters drawn from every day American life, are captured with a sensitivity and rawness which is palpable. You experience an intimacy when viewing the printed image which is often missing with digital photography.
Andy Warhol artist with Jay Johnson and Candy Darling actors New York August 20 1969 Photograph by Richard Avedon © The Richard Avedon Foundation.
Dovima with elephants, evening dress by Dior, Cirque d’Hiver, Paris, August 1955. Photograph by Richard Avedon © The Richard Avedon Foundation.
Apparent throughout is the interaction that Avedon had with his subjects. Their unguarded vulnerability is dealt with a respect which simply radiates. Trust and honesty are clearly evident.
Boyd Fortin, thirteen-year-old, Sweetwater, Texas, March 10, 1979. Photograph by Richard Avedon © The Richard Avedon Foundation, New York
Avedon’s skill in capturing extraordinary elements be it skin texture, a stray hair, the casual spiral of cigarette smoke or a myriad of detail, is breath taking. Using only a blank background, he doesn’t confuse the eye but rather adopts a minimalist approach to ensure we connect emotionally and intensely with the people he is portraying.
Marilyn Monroe Photograph by Richard Avedon © The Richard Avedon Foundation, New York
Whether your passion is photography or not, Avendon’s genius will resonate with you long after the visit. Try not to miss this!
The exhibition is presented in partnership with The Richard Avedon Foundation, New York, and The National Portrait Gallery, Canberra. Saturday 6 Dec 2014 to Sunday 15 Mar 2015.
Admission is free. For further information click here