What makes
Albert Watson one of the
world’s most revered photographers, hailed by peers, critics, and collectors alike? Is it his unparalleled celebrity portraits? Breathtaking landscapes? Sensual nudes, still lifes, illustrious fashion shoots?
KAOS presents a
kaleidoscopic overview of Watson’s career to date and the dazzling array of subjects, objects, people, and places he has encountered along the way. It is a skillfully curated survey of a
uniquely diverse, dynamic portfolio. From Watson’s breakthrough portrait of Alfred Hitchcock for the Christmas 1973 edition of
Harper’s Bazaar to a 2016 shot of Kanye West,
each photograph reverberates with tightly coiled power, tension, and poetry. Whether it’s a portrait of a Las Vegas dominatrix, Elvis’s gold suit, or a street scene in China, Watson excels in capturing the details seamlessly and probing its myriad depths. Along the way, his celebrity portraiture includes the likes of
David Bowie, Jay Z, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Jack Nicholson, Steve Jobs, and Andy Warhol.
This remarkable collection is accompanied by an
essay from former head of photographs at Christie’s, Philippe Garner, extensive quotes from Watson, as well as
dozens of previously unpublished test Polaroids, culled from Watson’s personal archives to provide unique insight into his photographic process and evolution. The result is a
defining document of the “photographer’s photographer,” iridescent in its graphic, often cinematic allure, and irresistible in its eclectic glory.
This
Art Edition comes with the signed print Kate Moss, Marrakech, 1993. It was the year Moss went from being an unconventional English model to a global icon on the back of a Calvin Klein jeans campaign. The double exposure demonstrates Watson’s desire to experiment and to challenge both himself and the viewer. “We were in Marrakech. Kate was the only model that day. It was a long day—she had to be up at 6:30 and working until 10—and at the end of the day she said, ‘You know, today’s my 19th birthday.’” A
wonderful portrait of one of the world’s most photographed women.
Art Edition (No. 151–200), with the signed print Kate Moss, Marrakech, 1993, printed by Watson in his New York studio on MOAB Entrada Rag paper and with Watson’s “Monkey with Mask” photograph stamped on the reverse in India ink.
Also available as three other Art Editions of 50 copies each, with alternative signed prints, and as a signed Collector’s Edition (No. 201–1,200).
