“My photographs don’t go below the surface. I have great faith in surfaces. A good one is full of clues.”
Richard Avedon was born in New York city, on May 15 1923. He learned photography at the age of 12, as a member of the YMHA camera club. Avedon was joined in army by forced in 1942 during World War II. In 1944, he left the army and studied with Alexey Brodovitch at the Design Laboratory of the New School for Social research. In 1945, Avedon set up his own studio and worked as a freelance photographer for various magazines such as Vague and life. Under the guidance of Brodovitch, he became a prominent photographer. In 1965, Avedon left Harper's Bazaar and worked with Vogue as the lead photographer until 1988. After that years, He was busy doing innovative advertising work for print and broadcast, his client including Calvin Klein, Versace and Revlon.
In addition of his fashion work, Avedon dedicated his passion into different projects in cultural, political and personal photography. Avedon has won many awards and numerous museum exhibitions around the world. Last year, I had a chance to see his exhibition in International Center of Photography, Avedon Fashion 1944-2000. The exhibition begin on the date he was born on May 15 and end on September 2009.
This is the man behind the gorgeous pictures. Salute to Richard Avedon.
The pictures are via Richard Avedon foundation website. If you would like to see more his outstanding work please click here.