Richard Avedon
1923–2004 · United States
An encounter under tension.
The story
Avedon renewed published fashion photography by giving space to movement, attitude and the relationship with the model. At the same time, he developed portraits whose bare backgrounds emphasise gestures, clothing and expressions. In the American West brings together people far removed from familiar celebrity subjects. His work requires us to consider staging, the photographer’s power and the irreducible presence of the person before the camera together.
Understanding the work
Study the edges of the body and the expression of the hands as much as the face. The white background does not neutralise the encounter: it can intensify its tensions and social signs.
Key works and series
In the American West; portraits; fashion photographs.
Sources & further exploration
Works in collections.
10 recordsPhotographs to explore on museum and library websites, with titles, dates and processes. Each link opens the collection record and its image where one is available.
- MoMA · August 1955
Dovima with Elephants, Evening Dress by Dior, Cirque d’Hiver, Paris
Gelatin silver print
- MoMA · January 31, 1964
Dwight David Eisenhower, President of the United States, Palm Springs, California
Gelatin silver print
- MoMA · September 25, 1969
The Chicago Seven: Lee Weiner, John Fronies, Abbie Hoffman, Rennie Davis, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, Dave Dellinger. Chicago
Gelatin silver prints
