About this item
Highlights
- "Some people's photography is an art.
- About the Author: Helmut Newton (1920-2004) was one of the most influential photographers of all time.
- 240 Pages
- Photography, Photoessays & Documentaries
Description
About the Book
"SUMO" had presented a titanic tribute--weighing in at 661 pounds--to the 20th century's most influential, intriguing, and controversial photographer. Ten years after its original publication, the collection of Newton's photos is back--albeit in a more economical edition.Book Synopsis
"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," Helmut Newton told Newsweek in 2004. This prosaic proclamation from one of the 20th century's most celebrated photographers may be perceived as surprising. Still it firmly positions Newton as the no-frills image-maker that he was. His work is so powerful and striking, that it defies categorization. In refusing to call his work "art," Newton leaves us free to do so. Judging from the amount of museum and gallery shows that have featured his work, it is clear that the option has been widely exercised.
A Gun for Hire brings together a selection of Newton's fashion catalog work from the early 1960s to 2003 including campaigns for BiBA (the first fashion catalog in 1962), Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Thierry Mugler, Blumarine, Villeroy & Boch and Absolut Vodka, as well as his last editorial photographs for US and Italian Vogue--encompassing the body of work he made as a "gun for hire."
With an introduction by Matthias Harder and statements by Pierre Bergé, Tom Ford, Josephine Hart, June Newton, and Anna Wintour.
Review Quotes
"A Gun For Hire, named for what Helmut Newton once called himself, includes some of his best editorial work for fashion houses from Biba in the 1960s to Thierry Mugler and Versace campaigns in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as Newton's last work for Vogue."-- "Vogue"
"TASCHEN has brought out [Newton's] savvy A Gun for Hire. Originally published in 2005, the book collects even more of Newton's work for catalogues, magazines, and advertising, from Biba, Chanel, and Versace to Absolut Vodka... be warned, this is not Newton at his best, but his patented, deliberately provocative mix of class and cheese, with no pretense to high art, is hard to resist. The photographer is enjoying himself; why not join him?"-- "Vince Aletti for Photograph"
"Hasn't just about everyone tried to copy Newton, but only the 'master' himself managed to handle sex and elegance in such a casual, yet cool and calculated way."-- "Stern"
"The legendary, provocative photographer gets a gorgeous TASCHEN tome dedicated to his career. A re-released edition, this time revised by the Helmut Newton Foundation, is brilliant."-- "i-D"
"This amazing collection of images perfectly reflects his attitude."-- "Harpers Bazaar"
About the Author
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.