Arthur Elgort was born in New York City in 1940. As a teenager he attended the prestigious Stuyvesant High School and then went on to study painting at Hunter College. From early on, he realized that he wanted to express himself artistically in a more diverse way and therefore he decided to take a chance on photography. This turned into a passion, and he had found his true talent. Soon after, in 1971, he made his debut in British »Vogue«. With that he gained a permanent place in the world of fashion photography, which he has influenced substantially during his 50-year-long career up to the present day. Arthur Elgort brought a breath of fresh air to the staged and stiff studio shoots of the early 1970s. Channeling the ideas of the Impressionists, the former painting student encouraged his models to move freely, creating a snapshot aesthetic outside in the »real world« which was beyond the standard of the day. The exhibition at CAMERA WORK Gallery shows lively models with less make-up in natural lighting, portrayed by Arthur Elgort with his unmistakable personal style.
Arthur Elgort on Kate Moss, Café Lipp, Paris, 1993
“Before the shooting was to begin at the famous Lipp Café in Paris under the supervision of the famous fashion editor Anna Dello Russo, there was food. No one was allowed to order steak, saying it was too expensive. While everyone was waiting for the food, Kate Moss suggested to climb on the table for a photo. After initial uncertainty, everyone was finally enthusiastic and the famous photo was taken.”
Arthur Elgort
Until January 29, 2022
CAMERA WORK
Kantstrasse 149
10623 Berlin
