American photographer Richard Avedon (1923–2004) produced portrait photographs that defined the twentieth century. Richard Avedon People explored his iconic portrait-making practice, which was distinctive for its honesty, candour and frankness.
One of the world’s great photographers, Avedon is best known for transforming fashion photography from the late 1940s onwards. The full breadth of Avedon’s renowned work is revealed in this stunning exhibition of 80 black-and-white photographs dating from 1949 to 2002. Avedon’s instantly recognisable iconic portraits of artists, celebrities and countercultural leaders feature alongside his less familiar portraiture works that capture ordinary New Yorkers going about their daily lives and the people of America’s West. With uncompromising rawness and tenderness, Avedon’s photographs capture the character of individuals extraordinary in their uniqueness and united in their shared experience of humanity.
Richard Avedon People paid close attention to the dynamic relationship between the photographer and his sitters and focused on Avedon’s portraits across social strata, particularly his interest in counterculture. At the core of his artistic work is a profound concern with the emotional and social freedom of the individual in society. The exhibition revealed Avedon’s sensitivity of observation, empathy of identification and clear vision that characterise these portraits.
Curated by Christopher Chapman.
A National Portrait Gallery of Australia exhibition presented in partnership with the Richard Avedon Foundation, New York.