Helmut Newton, A Gun for Hire
Shooting beauties: the fashion photography of Helmut Newton
Helmut Newton once said, "Some people`s photography is an art. Mine is not. If they happen to be exhibited in a gallery or a museum, that`s fine. But that`s not why I do them. I`m a gun for hire." (Newsweek, 02/02/04) This prosaic proclamation from one of the 20th century`s most celebrated photographers is not a little shocking, but nonetheless firmly positions Newton as the no-frills image-maker that he was. His work is so powerful, so striking, that it defies categorization. In refusing to call his work "art," Newton leaves us free to do so, and judging from the amount of museum and gallery shows that have featured his work, it is clear that the option has been widely exercised. This book brings together a selection of Newton`s fashion catalog work from as early as 1962 through 2003 and his last editorial photographs for US and Italian Vogue—all work he made as a "gun for hire."
Client list: BiBA, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Thierry Mugler, Blumarine, Italian Vogue, US Vogue, German Vogue, Villeroy & Boch, Bikini Calendar for Sportsmagazin, Absolut Vodka
About the photographer:
Helmut Newton (1920-2004) was one of the most influential photographers of all time. Born in Berlin, he arrived in Australia in 1940 and married June Brunell (a.k.a. Alice Springs) eight years later. He first achieved international fame in the 1970's while working principally for French Vogue, and his celebrity and influence grew over the decades. Newton preferred to shoot in streets or interiors, rather than studios. Controversial scenarios, bold lighting, and striking compositions came to form his signature look. In 1990 he was awarded the Grand Prix National for photography; in 1992 the German government awarded him Das Grosse Verdienstkreuz for services to German culture, and he was appointed Officer des Arts, Lettres et Sciences by S.A.S. Princess Caroline of Monaco. In 1996, he was appointed Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by Philippe Douste-Blazy, the French Minister of Culture at the time. Working and living in close companionship with his wife until his death at 83, his images remain as distinctive, seductive and orginal as ever.
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Helmut Newton, A Gun for Hire
Newton, June (Editor)
Hardcover, 23 x 30.5 cm (9.1 x 12 in.), 216 pages $ 39.99 ISBN: 978-3-8228-4643-8 Multilingual Edition: English, French, German Availability: Not in Stock |
- Reviews (35 items)
"J`avais choisi de gagner ma vie en prenant des photos, n`importe quelles photos, et de ne pas traiter mon travail comme une forme d`art précieuse. J`étais parfaitement disposé à prostituer ce vieux talent que Dieu m`avait donné pour gagner de l`argent. " C`est avec un certain goût de la provocation que le grand photographe Helmut Newton définissait son travail pour la presse et la publicité. Mais A Gun for Hire (TASCHEN), le livre qui regroupe ses clichés "commerciaux" démontre tout le contraire. Il regroupe des séries de mode, ses catalogues pour Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent…comme ses pubs pour Absolut Vodka ou même Villeroy & Boch. Et on y retrouve, intacte, la patte glacée et glamourissime qui fit le renom de ses photos d`art. "
Elle, Paris, France
Elle, Paris, France
- Clippings (33 items)
Parting Shot
New York Post, United States, September 12, 2005
New York Post, United States, September 12, 2005
- Related (1 items)
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- See also (4 items)
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Helmut Newton, SUMO Finally back in print! This 10th Anniversary Edition shares the same DNA as the original record-breaking Limited Edition, which has quintupled in price since its publication in 1999. |
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Mrs. Newton The diaries of June Newton, renowned under her photographic pseudonym Alice Springs |
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Helmut Newton. Work A sweeping retrospective of Helmut Newton's life's work |