This book showcases Avedon's portraits of people we might now call "seniors." Famous and infamous people photographed in their old age. While it sounds undelightfully depressing it's actually a wonderful look at the aging that we'll all endure...if we're lucky.
The work is all black and white and is beautifully printed. The captions are detailed and interesting and the main essay, by Adam Gopnik is really illuminating.
The controversial series of images of Avedon's frail father, at each stage of his decline, are represented in conjunction with an essay that explores Avedon's reasons for taking the images. Was it revenge? Exploitation? or a visual investigation of Avedon's relationship with his father?
The portraits of his father in decline have always been controversial. It's an interesting topic.
The book was produced in conjunction with and in anticipation of a show at the Fine Arts Museum in Montreal. That show will run from February 12, 2026 through the first of August 2026. A fine excuse to make another trip up to one of the few remaining North American democracies....
I mention the book because I am a big fan, student of, all around appreciator of much of Richard Avedon's work; from his early fashion work all the way through his "In The American West" period. And beyond.
I also mention it since I am trying to drive the used price of this book up. Why? Because I received three copies for my recent birthday and I think I can get by just fine with one copy... Well, at least it shows that family and friends are paying attention to what I really like and getting appropriate gifts.
Just thought that if you are an Avedon fan you might be interested. If you aren't I really don't want to hear the reasons why you think he's nothing special. It's not cogent to the intent of this particular post.
Tell me instead which week you plan to go to Montreal to see the show. And whether or not you'll be wearing your purple cowboy boots to the opening.
2 comments:
Avedon and Penn were giants and will remain so, I think, for a long time. From his early handheld work through the great Vogue work in fashion that is still being copied to the 8x10 studio and American West he maintained a wonderful standard.
Thanks James. I agree. And the book is actually very well done.
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