Irving Penn Centennial

Synopsis

The definitive book on the work of a virtuosic and revered American photographer
 
"Irving Penn: Centennial . . . presents page after page of startlingly fresh images."-Luc Sante, New York Times
 
Irving Penn (1917-2009) was among the most esteemed and influential photographers of the twentieth century. Over the course of a nearly seventy-year career, he mastered a pared-down aesthetic of studio photography that is distinguished for its meticulous attention to composition, nuance, and detail. This indispensable book features one of the largest selections of Penn's photographs ever compiled, including famous and beloved images as well as works that have never been published, spanning the entirety of his groundbreaking career.
 
An enlightening introduction situates his work in the context of the various artistic, social, and political environments and events that affected the content of his photographs. Lively essays acquaint readers with Penn's primary subjects and campaigns, including early documentary scenes and imagery; portraits; fashion; female nudes; peoples of Peru, Dahomey (Benin), New Guinea, and Morocco; still lifes; and much more. Irving Penn: Centennial is essential for any fan of this artist's work or the history of twentieth-century photography.
 
Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press
 
Exhibition Schedule:
 
de Young, Fine Art Museums, San Francisco 
(March 16-July 21, 2024)

Summary

Chapter 1: The Early Years

This chapter explores Irving Penn's formative years and artistic influences. It discusses his childhood in New Jersey, his early training as a painter at the School of Industrial Art in Philadelphia, and his early experiments with photography.

* Example: Penn's iconic photograph "Marcel Duchamp" (1949) exemplifies his early fascination with portraiture and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects.

Chapter 2: Fashion and Celebrity

Penn became renowned for his influential fashion and celebrity photography. This chapter examines his collaborations with Vogue magazine, his unique approach to fashion photography, and his portraits of famous figures.

* Example: Penn's photograph "Clarksville, Tennessee, 1950" (1950) captures the juxtaposition between high fashion and rural America, showcasing his ability to explore social and cultural themes through photography.

Chapter 3: The Still Life

Penn also excelled in still life photography, creating minimalist and evocative compositions. This chapter analyzes his techniques, his use of natural light, and his exploration of objects as symbols.

* Example: Penn's photograph "Eggs with Shells, New York, 1949" (1949) showcases his masterful use of composition and lighting to evoke a sense of balance and harmony.

Chapter 4: The Female Form

Penn was particularly celebrated for his sensual and intimate photographs of the female form. This chapter examines his exploration of female beauty, his portrayal of nudity, and his collaborations with renowned models such as Veruschka.

* Example: Penn's photograph "Georgia O'Keeffe, New Mexico, 1969" (1969) captures the artist's enigmatic presence and evokes a sense of vulnerability and strength.

Chapter 5: Ethnography and Travel

Penn traveled extensively throughout his career, documenting various cultures and customs. This chapter explores his ethnographic work, his collaborations with anthropologists, and the insights he gained through his travels.

* Example: Penn's photographs from his trip to Papua New Guinea in the 1960s provide a glimpse into a remote and often overlooked society, showcasing his ability to bridge cultural boundaries through photography.

Chapter 6: The Legacy

Irving Penn's contributions to photography are immense. This chapter assesses his impact on the medium, his influence on subsequent generations of photographers, and the enduring power of his work.

* Example: Penn's photographs continue to be exhibited in major museums worldwide, inspiring awe and admiration, and his legacy as a master of photography is firmly established.