There is nothing a true fashionista likes to look at more
than a collection of beautiful vintage portraits, and Londoners have been very lucky in
the last few months, with amazing previously unseen images of Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra going on
display, as well as iconic photos of Louis Armstrong and Salvador Dali. Now, Londoners are for another
treat, as the first pop-up Helmut Newton exhibition in five years in
London is coming very soon.
The exhibition features 26 original vintage images by Newton from 1974-1984,
including an eye-catching photograph of Jerry Hall spitting water. Hosted by ONGallery, the recently launched online art gallery, the images will
also be on sale at the exhibition and online. The original black and white vintage prints are truly masterful, with the array
of fashionable, provocative images on display making up part of the work Newton
considered his most important.
Born in Berlin in 1920, Helmut Newton was often the subject of controversy due to his
sexually charged photography, with critics denouncing him for "reducing female
sexuality to naked bodies and for voyeuristically exhibiting women’s intimacy",
but Newton always dismissed the claims, saying that he adored women and that
his photographs portrayed female power and strength. Called a "prolific, widely imitated fashion photographer" by The New
York Times, his images make their mark - whether you agree with his critics
or not.
"This exhibition constitutes an anthology of images that Newton considered his
most important work from 1974-1984, which was to form the foundation for the
famed Private Property series of exhibitions in 1984 and 1985" said
ONGallery's Head of Artists’ Publishing, Lance Leman in a recent interview. "Over the years, the
Private Property portfolio has achieved legendary status, and represents an
extraordinary photographer at the height of his creativity".
The exhibition takes place at The Showroom Presents, 25 Effie Road, Fulham
Broadway, SW6 1EL, from Thursday 26th to Saturday 28th November, 10am – 6pm.
