In Darkness There is Light: Richard Avedon at 100
First in a 3-Part Series on Iconic Photographers.
Richard Avedon stands alone as arguably one of the most celebrated and enduring photographers of both the 20th and 21st century.
His intimate portraits of celebrities, icons, athletes and fashion models mark his enduring legacy. Setting himself apart, Avedon used a technique called “open shade” that made the light in his pictures intimate, human and sophisticated.
Avedon redefined fashion photography by using simple photographic techniques. He wanted his light to be invisible and ultimately opted for the “open shade.” Simplify. Choosing a white background eliminates distraction, pulling the focus to the subject, their expressions and gestures, and the minute details that may otherwise be overlooked.
The centenary of Avedon’s birth this year was marked by a summer exhibit at Gagosian. His work has never been so relevant or more timely.
“Gagosian presented Avedon 100, an exhibition in celebration of Richard Avedon’s birth. Almost 150 celebrated artists, designers, musicians, writers, curators, and fashion world representatives were asked to select a photograph by Avedon and elaborate on the ways in which image and artist have made an impact on them. Participants include Hilton Als, Naomi Campbell, Elton John, Spike Lee, Sally Mann, Polly Mellen, Kate Moss, Chloë Sevigny, Taryn Simon, Christy Turlington, and Jonas Wood.”
Avedon’s photographs are immediately striking. Shot on medium format negatives and printed to larger-than-life scale, every portrait contains details that would otherwise go unnoticed. A facial expression, a notion of posture, a gleam in the eye — all are displayed in stark relief against a studio white backdrop. In an Avedon picture, there is nowhere to hide.
Avedon’s bold charisma and curiosity made him adept at coaxing the most revealing aspects of his subjects’ personalities and translating them to film. The result was a stunning and intimate portrait. Avedon worked out his internal battles in the studio, confronting his fears through the act of pressing the shutter. What he revealed was the humanity of his subjects, no matter how private or high-profile.
Avedon’s photography was heavily influenced by Alexey Brodovitch, who taught his young student that commercial and editorial work should never be approached as either tedious or mundane. Rather, it was the photographer’s responsibility to be creative and bring fresh ideas to the shoot regardless of the subject matter.
Avedon left a legacy of creative genius and photographs that stand alone as a reflection that defined an era. He is the definitive image-maker of our time. His images have come to symbolize a creative genius behind the lens. Portraits with its simplicity of light, shadow and composition whether in editorial or commercial work Richard Avedon moved the creative needle forward. Giving his subject matter the entire frame.
Richard Avedon remains the standard by which every photographer is measured.
Avedon 100 celebrates Richard Avedon’s enduring influence on photography and makes clear his profound impression on visual culture worldwide.
