SPOTLIGHT: RICHARD AVEDON

This spotlight is to highlight one of my favorite Artist - Richard Avedon! His ability to capture the duality of life and people through photography is truly breathtaking and inspiring. Read on to find out why!

©DOVIMAWITHELEPHANTS

Richard Avedon passed away in 2004 but his legacy remains through his art. To me I was first introduced to Richard Avedon’s work during my AP Art History class. The first photograph we saw was the bee keeper picture. It was such a jarring yet intense yet serene image. To capture all these emotions in black and white is what I loved. The simplicity and elegance but it was the small details that made the pictures so captivating. The bee keeper photograph I loved because it showed the strength of allowing creatures to cover your body with no protection that could hurt you but trusting they won’t while also showing the vulnerability.

I had learned also that Richard Avedon had photographed the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War and the fall of the Berlin Wall. All such pivotal moments in History he managed to harness the energy of each movement.

Richard Avedon was known for also capturing movement in pictures which allowed him to work for Harpers Bazaar, Vogue and Elle. My favorite photographs of Richard Avedon’s are the Dovima with Elephants. It is technically a fashion portrait BUT to me is speaks to the epitome of and essence of strength and resilience.

Dovima is so elegant in an Yves Saint Laurent dress from the House of Dior. Her poise is graceful, poised and confident. She’s also serene next to creatures that could trample her. Elephants are beautiful and one of my favorite animals. This Richard Avedon picture to me is the best creation that

embodies movement, freedom, power and grace.