AO1 Develop Ideas

Artist Reference: Richard Avedon

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Richard Avedon was born in 1923 in New York city and had an interest in photography from a very early age. He joined the YMHA camera club at the age of 12 years old, And then attended the DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx where he was a key figure in the development and production of the schools magazine. Soon after he was named as the poet laureate of New York City high schools in 1943.

Avedon served in the US Army in World War 2 as an identity card photographer, Photographing soldiers for use of an ID card. After the war he went into fashion photography and he studied at the Design Laboratory at the New School for Social Research. When he was 22, Avedon was approached by Harpers Bazaar, An American female fashion magazine. He was initaially denied access to a studio by them so he used to photograph subjects in abnormal environments such as at a circus, the beach and nightclubs. This very quickly became a key element of his work. He soon rose up to become the lead photographer for Harpers Bazaar. Avedons main focus on his work was the suggestion of a persons personality that photography was able to portray, so he took extra care in planning and detailing shoots and hairstyles, outfits and objects became key focal points for expression within his work. Below are some examples of his work that highlight his ideals

Samuel Beckett, writer, Paris, France, April 13, 1979
In this image of authour Samuel Beckett, Avedon has chosen to keep the composition of the image simple, utilising a plan white background. the contrast in the image is one of the most striking elements to me as there is a lot of detail highlighted by the contrast, Specifically Beckett’s Hair. The use of a turtleneck jumper with a three button blazer suggests class and order
Bob Dylan, singer, New York City, February 10, 1965
In this image of American musical artist Bob Dylan, Avedon has chosen to keep Dylan within focus and have the background out of focus. This effect can be seen as metaphorical in terms of Bob Dylan being a world famous musician at the time, In a sense that he stands out from anywhere and is instantly recognizable.
New York Life #9, Harlem, New York, March 23, 1949
This particular image, Taken in Harlem, New York, Depicts a dalmatian and his owner, with another male seemingly admiring the dog. This image strongly represents the idea of ‘mans best friend’ as both of the subjects are admiring the dog and there is a sense of unity within this ideal, as the two men, Judging by the way they are dressed, have different occupations and backgrounds, yet they are united as one over the dalmatian and there could also be a link to the sociological state of the United States at the time this photograph was taken in 1949, As African Americans were the target of severe racism and discrimination. This image thereby can also depict a feeling of unity between the two men as despite their different occupations and socio-economic status, They are united as one in their fight against racism.
Mike Bencich, Dan Ashberger, coal miners, Somerset, Colorado, August 29, 1980
In this image of two coal miners from Colorado We see a striking usage of contrast to highlight and depict the conditions they are working in by highlighting the soot and dirt on the skin and clothes of the workers. There is also a sense of unity between the two as seen by the hand of the left hand subject on the center subjects shoulder, a universal sign of unity and compassion.

Personal opinion

I personally find Avdeons work inspiring due to his portrayal of different people and their lives through his attention to detail within his work and use of varying photographic techniques to utilise the full scene to full affect. I would like to take inspiration from Avedon as I am inspired by his work and I take a lot of inspiration from his technique and ideas. I would like to have a main focus on personality within my personal study, focusing on the elements of a person that makes them who they are. Whether this be clothing, location or accessories and objects that highlight aspects of the subjects personality and who they are. Based upon the theme of Occupation VS Liberation, I would like to photograph subjects in their spare time and partaking in hobby’s/ past times and highlighting this sense of liberty through their clothing objects and scenario.

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