The Savannah College of Art and Design presents the exhibition Ellen von Unwerth: This Side of Paradise at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta. Curated by SCAD FASH creative director Rafael Gomes, This Side of Paradise presents more than 50 photographs and fashion films from celebrated photographer Ellen von Unwerth’s vast editorial and artistic repertoire.
“The exuberant Ellen von Unwerth shows SCAD students how to plot a truly polymathic career: director, photographer, author, storyteller, stylist, model, provocateur. This Side of Paradise at SCAD FASH promises to be the show of the season in Atlanta, and a spectacle worth seeing up close.”
Paula Wallace | SCAD President and Founder
Von Unwerth is one of fashion’s most sought- after photographers, revered for her provocative yet poignant images that amplify bold sensuality and the joy of identity’s unique fluidity — themes that have carried throughout her work for more than three decades. Inspired by von Unwerth’s Paris studio, the atmospheric exhibition at SCAD FASH emulates a mischievous and raucous party through a dazzling curation of the artist’s trademark images brimming with movement, decadence, and glamour. Come face to face with fashion VIPs and cultural icons as seen through von Unwerth’s lens, including portraits of Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, RuPaul, Britney Spears, Naomi Campbell, Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, Zoë Kravitz, Alton Mason, and others. This Side of Paradise’s film component includes projections of von Unwerth’s stimulating and exuberant short fashion films featuring characters played by Coco Rocha, Miley Cyrus, and Georgia May Jagger.
“I am so proud and thankful to SCAD FASH for dedicating this show to me. This Side of Paradise is the place to be! The show reflects my vision of a society with no boundaries, of celebration, intimacy, love, friendship, fun, and glitter — even a little devil is allowed in. I hope everyone who visits enjoys this exhibition!”
Ellen von Unwerth
Von Unwerth began her career as a model in Europe. Constrained by the rigidity demanded of models at the time, she transitioned to a role behind the lens. Photography became the medium by which she shared her personality and artistic vision with the world. Throughout her career, von Unwerth has been celebrated for her distinct style and ability to portray electric narratives through her images and films. Her advertising campaigns for Guess, Agent Provocateur, Absolut, Chanel, Tommy Hilfiger, MAC Cosmetics, Baccarat, H&M, Dior, A.P.C., and Belvedere, among others, remain legendary. She is a longtime collaborator with the world’s most revered fashion, art, and lifestyle publications including Vogue, Elle, Glamour, i-D, Interview, Numéro, Paper Magazine, Playboy, and GQ. An accomplished author, von Unwerth has published bestselling books showcasing her powerful photography including Snaps (1994), Wicked (1998), Couples (1999), Revenge (2003), and Fräulein (2009).
“Ellen von Unwerth is one of the industry’s most enigmatic personalities and photographers — her style is truly one-of-a-kind, and her images and films are spontaneous, playful, bold, and seductive. Ellen’s thrilling body of work is an inspiration to so many of our SCAD students and it is an honor to present this exhilarating showcase at SCAD FASH.”
Rafael Gomes | SCAD FASH creative director
This Side of Paradise is curated by Rafael Gomes, creative director of SCAD FASH museums.
Ellen von Unwerth : This Side of Paradise
May 18, 2023 – January 8, 2024
SCAD FASH
Museum of Fashion+ Film
1600 Peachtree St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
www.scadfash.org
