Albert Watson has left an indelible mark on contemporary photography and pop culture for over six decades. His work is characterized by graphically arresting yet timeless imagery that transcends traditional boundaries. Albert Watson’s powerful portraits of hip-hop artists derive their impact from what he terms “filmatic graphic,” an idea centered around graphic strength. Watson believes that a photograph can possess graphic intensity even if it appears simple. Watson deliberately crafts arresting images. When asked how he makes pictures of such graphic strength, he says that he asks himself the following questions:
“Graphics are written over everything. (…) Is it the shape of a head against the white background? The shape of a head with a strong light against a dark background? What’s behind the person in a studio?”
Albert Watson has crafted some of the most iconic celebrity portraits, many within the rap and hip-hop genre, from the mid-1980s through the mid-2010s. His portfolio boasts portraits of legendary figures like Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and Queen Latifah, showcasing Watson’s versatility in portraiture. Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Watson reflects on his continuous quest for improvement every time he picks up the camera. He contemplates,
“How can I make that next shot more powerful, more interesting, more beautiful, and most importantly, more memorable?”
Watson’s portraits of these artists undeniably fulfill this objective, leaving a lasting impact. In addition to regular contributions to Rolling Stone, he served as the official photographer for VIBE, a magazine prominently featuring hip-hop artists. He also shot numerous album covers and publicity photos for rappers.
https://www.holdenluntz.com/magazine/photo-spotlight/albert-watson-faces-of-hip-hop/
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