On view at Gagosian is a stunning set of photographs by Richard Avedon. “Iconic Avedon: A Centennial Celebration of Richard Avedon” marks a century since the photographer’s birth, centering on his connection to the city of Paris. It is fitting that this exhibition opens during the spring/summer 2024 Haute Couture Week in Paris, too. Beginning in 1947, Avedon often photographed collections for Harper’s Bazaar during couture week. The photographer infamously subjected himself to intense self-scrutiny, taking self-portraits which obscured his features during the early stages of his career. Avedon once said, “Photography for me has always been a sort of double-sided mirror. The one side reflecting my subject, the other reflecting myself.” Widely imitated and immensely influential, the word “iconic” most certainly fits a collection of works by this photographer.
Richard Avedon, “The Vicomtesse Jacqueline de Ribes,” hair by Kenneth, New York, December 14, 1955 © The Richard Avedon Foundation, courtesy of Gagosian.
Richard Avedon, “Sandra Bennett, twelve year old, Rocky Ford, Colorado,” August 23, 1980, © The Richard Avedon Foundation, courtesy of Gagosian.
Richard Avedon, “Dovima with elephants,” evening dress by Dior, Cirque d ́Hiver, Paris, August 1955, © The Richard Avedon Foundation, courtesy of Gagosian.
Installation view of “Iconic Avedon: A Centennial Celebration of Richard Avedon,” © The Richard Avedon Foundation, courtesy of Gagosian.
Installation view of “Iconic Avedon: A Centennial Celebration of Richard Avedon,” © The Richard Avedon Foundation, courtesy of Gagosian.
