Irving Penn became well known during the 1940s for his fashion photographs, mainly for Vogue. His distinct style was to photograph in an austere studio, using subtle lighting to bring out the features of his subjects (a technique he attributed to a year learning to paint in Mexico).He later used this technique to great effect for portrait work, capturing people from everyday tradesmen to the film stars and celebrities of the day.
Irving Penn’s perception of form is at the highest end of what’s possible. He’s the only photographer I think of when I admire fine art and commercialism at the same time – his personal work and commercial portfolio are melded beautifully. I love that. I find it really inspiring. Everyone hopes for that, because everyone wants to make a living. It’s so easy to get swept up in market success. Irving Penn keeps a high level of integrity in both. Whether you see a reproduction in Vogue or a print at PaceMacGill Gallery, each is as physically beautiful as the other.
Irving Penn at work
Kate Moss by Irving Penn
Pablo Picasso by Irving Penn
by Irving Penn
Cuzco Children by Irving Penn
Truman Capote by Irving Penn
Further information on Irving Penn: http://www.irvingpenn.com/ .
Books on Amazon.com about Irving Penn
Books on Amazon.co.uk about Irving Penn
