Helmut Newton Remembered
I was surprised at how effected I was by the news of his death. He was such a strong presence in my life, in my work, I pretended to dismiss him... By Eric Kroll
I was surprised at how effected I was by the news of his death. He was such a strong presence in my life, in my work, I pretended to dismiss him. But, upon his death, I realized how much I felt him as I was working. Through my friendship with Benedikt Taschen I met him several times. I particularly remember an evening spent with others at the Chemosphere House in the Hollywood Hills. It was Benedikt's 40th birthday party and it was rockin. I watched Helmut and his wife of 40 years, June, party with everyone. There was a lot of love between them.
I guess my favorite book of his was the one he did with June about their long and hearty relationship. Besides, anyone that would dress up in drag or photograph himself nude in recovery from heart surgery is a friend of mine. The photographer, William Coupon, called me from New York City (I live in San Francisco) to tell me about Newton's death and to read me the reports off the Times website. He read that the car Helmut Newton was driving almost hit another photographer coming into the hotel. I know that entrance/exit well of the Chateau Marmont and I kept wondering... who was that photographer Helmut Newton almost ran over. I'd like to see his work.
Eric Kroll
I was surprised at how effected I was by the news of his death. He was such a strong presence in my life, in my work, I pretended to dismiss him. But, upon his death, I realized how much I felt him as I was working. Through my friendship with Benedikt Taschen I met him several times. I particularly remember an evening spent with others at the Chemosphere House in the Hollywood Hills. It was Benedikt's 40th birthday party and it was rockin. I watched Helmut and his wife of 40 years, June, party with everyone. There was a lot of love between them.
I guess my favorite book of his was the one he did with June about their long and hearty relationship. Besides, anyone that would dress up in drag or photograph himself nude in recovery from heart surgery is a friend of mine. The photographer, William Coupon, called me from New York City (I live in San Francisco) to tell me about Newton's death and to read me the reports off the Times website. He read that the car Helmut Newton was driving almost hit another photographer coming into the hotel. I know that entrance/exit well of the Chateau Marmont and I kept wondering... who was that photographer Helmut Newton almost ran over. I'd like to see his work.
Eric Kroll
Helmut Newton at the TASCHEN Bookstore in LA, January 9, 2004