Why do we choose certain images
to live with, study, reflect on, and appreciate? What inspires the masters,
or tickles their fancies?
When Richard Avedon died on October 1st, 2004, he left an extraordinary
collection of photographs that spans two centuries and reflects an eye
attuned equally to masterworks and mug shots. Few had seen the private
collection with which he surrounded himself in his apartment on East 75th
Street. These photographs, assembled over five decades, are the subject
of the exhibition "Eye of the Beholder: Photographs from the Collection
of Richard Avedon", at Fraenkel Gallery, 49 Geary St., San Francisco,
from 5 October to 25 November 2006.
Avedon knew a good photograph when he saw one. Though he was far more
interested in making pictures than collecting them, he lived surrounded
by photographs of every kind, from the exalted to the unknown. “Neurotic
women” (his words) were among his particular interests, though his
curiosity was vigorous and his pursuits could not be predicted. The photographs
in Avedon’s collection were acquired primarily by purchase, in some
cases by gift. Several bear inscriptions of respect or affection from
other artists, notably Jacques-Henri Lartigue and Henri Cartier-Bresson,
photographers with whom he forged significant friendships.
Avedon was the first of only three people to purchase Diane Arbus’s
landmark portfolio A Box of Ten Photographs, a gesture that signaled so
much to the artist that she re-titled his portfolio to include an eleventh
print.
Organized with Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco, Eye of the Beholder is
presented in cooperation with The Richard Avedon Foundation, New York,
and is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalog.
FeatureRichard Avedon’s private collection of photographsIt’s interesting to note what the great masters choose to have around
to inspire them. Here’s a brief look at what Richard Avedon liked to
keep.View Images
Feature
Richard Avedon’s private collection of photographs
It’s interesting to note what the great masters choose to have around
to inspire them. Here’s a brief look at what Richard Avedon liked to
keep.
Richard Avedon’s private collection of photographs
It’s interesting to note what the great masters choose to have around
to inspire them. Here’s a brief look at what Richard Avedon liked to
keep.
Trending this Week

“Life Looks Better Through a Viewfinder”—Mentoring and Wisdom from David Alan Harvey
The Magnum photographer speaks about why every emerging photographer needs a mentor, his years shooting for National Geographic, and how he maintains his vision across personal and assigned work.

Winners: LensCulture Exposure Awards 2018
Discover the 39 excellent photographers chosen in this year’s Exposure Awards! This intriguing selection of work showcases an inspiring cross-section of contemporary photography from all over the world.

Every Body Has a Story to Tell
“If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, why are we fed so much imagery about what we are supposed to look like?” A series that challenges traditional notions of beauty and revels in the supple forms of the human body.

Walking in the Invisible City
Explore the mysteries and magic of the “Russian Atlantis”—the fabled city that sunk below the surface of Lake Svetloyar in the 12th century. Even today, locals swear the lake contributes to the area’s inexplicable, intangible power…

Question the Image: A View from Two Poles of the World
“Art can catalyze empathy and respect.” Alasdair Foster, a curator, researcher, and writer who draws on an array of experiences from around the world, offers his fascinating perspective on photography—and where it’s going next.

Have Something to Say: 30 Years of Photobooks with Dewi Lewis
The renowned publisher offers his advice to street photographers hoping to publish their first photobook—and reveals the questions that all photographers should ask themselves before they seek to publish a book.