Friday 11 May 2012

Beauty: Brigitte Bardot by Richard Avedon, Jan 27 1959



I came across this beautiful photo of the actress in the catalogue ‘Richard Avedon Photographs 1946-2004’ (Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2007) and was instantly captivated by how timeless this photograph was especially being shot in 1959 which could easily pass as an art beauty glamour shot today. The blurred focus of her voluminous hair adds to the desirability of the sitter, the viewer is not only drawn to her oozing sex appeal but the way Avedon captures her softness as well balances the photograph. The fact its shot in black and white also adds to the timelessness and the viewer isn’t overwhelmed by glamour if colour was present. Avedon is renowned for his fashion photography however he was a master of the portrait as well. In Helle Crenzien’s ‘True Artist’ essay (featured in the book) she writes ‘Avedon ranges wide and his photographs exhibit a visual duality: they are photographs taken by a strong, complex personality. Avedon tries to bring out more facets rather than just to reproduce his sitters from an arbitrary point of view. [He] is a co-creator – not just an observer. [He] shows that the photograph can show or reveal much more than the superficial truth’. I agree with Crenzien’s view on Avedon and this description can be applied to the above image. The reason I chose to analyse this photograph out the many wonderful images in the book is the simple beauty that Bardot possesses. Face-on with the illusion of her being naked enhances the allure. The simplicity of the composition speaks volume as the focus is on her expression. This is a true portrait of beauty.

References:
Holm, Michael (Editor); Avedon, Richard (Photographer) ‘Richard Avedon Photographs 1946-2004’; published:  Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, First Edition (Dec 15 2007)

Useful Links:
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art http://www.louisiana.dk/dk

2 comments:

  1. Beautiful to me is something that isn't covered up. The whole naturalness of it all, natural beauty is what i find beautiful. I usually find inspiration through people because it was something in which interested me, because peoples stories be it true or not shapes the person today. I find that beautiful, its like a slow flower waiting to be blossomed.

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  2. I agree I find natural beauty most compelling too and the story behind the photograph in particular a portrait, intriguing. I love your simile, 'a slow flower waiting to be blossomed', that is beauty. Thank you for your response :)

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