From 28 March to 24 November 2024, the Helmut Newton exhibition titled "Legacy" will take center stage in Venice, curated by Matthias Harder, Director of the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin, and Denis Curti. This retrospective marks the hundredth anniversary of the iconic photographer’s birth (Berlin, 1920 – Los Angeles, 2004) and stands as the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to Helmut Newton’s work to date.
With over 250 photographs, polaroids, and archival documents, the Helmut Newton exhibition retraces the legacy of one of the
most influential and controversial photographers of the 20th century. Known for his provocative style, Newton's work pushes the boundaries of fashion photography, often blending boldness with elegance. The exhibition on San Giorgio Maggiore Island, with its stunning views over the
San Marco basin, further enhances the power of Newton’s imagery, displaying iconic works alongside a selection of previously unseen pieces that offer new perspectives on his practice.
Born as Helmut Neustädter in Berlin, Newton fled Nazi Germany in 1938 and started his photography career in Australia, where he eventually opened his own studio. In Melbourne, he met June Brown, also known as Alice Springs, who would become his lifelong partner and muse. His career blossomed in Europe and the United States, particularly through his collaborations with renowned magazines like
Vogue and designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, and Thierry Mugler. Newton's daring approach to fashion and the female form, as seen in his celebrated
Big Nudes series, challenged conventions and left an indelible mark on the world of photography.
The Helmut Newton exhibition is structured into
six chronological chapters, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of Newton's career from his early days in Australia in the 1940s and 1950s, through his work in France in the 1960s, and on to his groundbreaking fashion photography in the 1970s in the United States. The exhibition continues with his prolific period in Monte Carlo and Los Angeles during the 1980s and highlights his work throughout the 1990s, documenting his global travels and extensive body of work.
Curator Matthias Harder emphasizes Newton’s deep connection to Venice, as evidenced by his various projects in the city, such as his 1966 report for
Queen magazine and his portrait of Anselm Kiefer. After living in Australia and the United States, Newton returned to Europe, residing in Paris and Monte Carlo while making frequent visits to Venice. This exhibition in Venice is a fitting tribute to his lifelong fascination with the city and his remarkable contributions to photography.
Images courtesy of
https://www.flickr.com/photos/drewwilsonphotography/7160325045- Ph.
Drew Wilson.