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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Richard Avedon People

Previous exhibition
from Friday 23 August until Sunday 24 November 2013
Dovima with elephants, evening dress by Dior, Cirque d'Hiver, Paris, August 1955 by Richard Avedon
Dovima with elephants, evening dress by Dior, Cirque d'Hiver, Paris, August 1955 by Richard Avedon

American photographer Richard Avedon (1923-2004) produced portrait photographs that defined the twentieth century. Richard Avedon People explores his iconic portrait making practice. At the core of his artistic work was a profound concern with the emotional and social freedom of the individual in society. Curated by the National Portrait Gallery’s Senior Curator, Dr Christopher Chapman in partnership with The Richard Avedon Foundation, New York, Richard Avedon People is the first Australian exhibition of Avedon’s work. The Foundation was structured by Avedon in his lifetime and encourages the study and appreciation of Avedon’s photography through exhibitions, publications and outreach programs.

14 portraits
view all

Marian Anderson, contralto, New York, June 30, 1955 by Richard Avedon
New York Life #11, Central Park, New York City, November 17, 1949 by Richard Avedon
Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller, New York, May 8, 1957 by Richard Avedon
Chet Baker, singer, New York City, January 16, 1986 by Richard Avedon
Boyd Fortin, thirteen-year-old, Sweetwater, Texas, March 10, 1979 by Richard Avedon
Allen Ginsberg's family: Hannah (Honey) Litzby, aunt: Leo Litzby, uncle; Abe Ginsberg, uncle; Ann Ginsberg, aunt; Louis Ginsber, father; Eugeno Brooks, brother; Allen Ginsberg, poet; Anne Brooks, niece; Peter Brooks, nephew; Connie Brooks, sister-in-law; by Richard Avedon
Peter Orlovsky and Allen Ginsberg, poets, New York City by Richard Avedon
1 Marian Anderson, contralto, New York, June 30, 1955. 2 New York Life #11, Central Park, New York City, November 17, 1949. 3 Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller, New York, May 8, 1957. 4 Chet Baker, singer, New York City, January 16, 1986. 5 Boyd Fortin, thirteen-year-old, Sweetwater, Texas, March 10, 1979. 6 Allen Ginsberg's family: Hannah (Honey) Litzby, aunt: Leo Litzby, uncle; Abe Ginsberg, uncle; Ann Ginsberg, aunt; Louis Ginsber, father; Eugeno Brooks, brother; Allen Ginsberg, poet; Anne Brooks, niece; Peter Brooks, nephew; Connie Brooks, sister-in-law; ,. 7 Peter Orlovsky and Allen Ginsberg, poets, New York City,. All by Richard Avedon.

Related people

Richard Avedon

Dr Christopher Chapman (curator)

Ernst & Young
Richard Avedon supporters
Richard Avedon People tour dates

Originally shown at the National Portrait Gallery
Friday 23rd August until Sunday 24th November 2013

Art Gallery of Western Australia

Saturday 2nd August until Monday 17th November 2014

Ian Potter Museum of Art

Saturday 6th December 2014 until Sunday 15th March 2015

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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