PORTRAIT HELMUT NEWTON
Helmut Newton achieved international fame in the 1970's while working principally for French Vogue. He was renowned for the precision glamour of his photographs as well as the striking, often controversial scenarios he chose for his models. He photographed women looking powerful and sexually and available.
The majority of Newton's work is shot in the streets or in interiors, rather than in the controlled environment of the studio. He was inspired by the German documentary photographer
Dr. Salomon and by Brassai, the latter with whom he established a friendship. Much of his inspiration is also derived from the daily newspapers, real life situations or paparazzi shots. Most striking is his ability to make a thoroughly planned photograph seem fresh and dynamic.
Posthumously he is as distinctive and influential as ever.
In 1990 he was awarded the "Grand Prix National" for photography and in 1992 was awarded by the German Government "Das Grosse Verdienstkreuz" for his services to German Culture as well as being appointed "Officier des Arts, Lettres et Sciences" by S.A.S. Princess Caroline of Monaco. In 1996 he was appointed "Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" by Philippe Douste-Blazy, the French Minister of Culture.
