You may be familiar with the work of Helmut Newton. Known for his bold style and for pushing the boundaries, he has photographed several high-profile women, such as Grace Jones, Isabella Rosselini and Margaret Thatcher. His work has featured in several international fashion magazines, from Vanity Fair to Vogue, challenging the way that we saw femininity, sexuality and desire in the media. And now, get ready to celebrate the man behind the lens at the upcoming Helmut Newton exhibition. Helmet Newton: In Focus will open at the Jewish Museum of Australia on Friday April 29.
Helmut Newton: In Focus
This exhibition, in collaboration with the Helmut Newton Foundation and the PHOTO 2022 International Festival of Photography, explores the life and legacy of Helmut Newton. Discover a collection of letters, diaries and photographs, and chart his life from the early days, as well as his Jewish roots and his time spent right here in Melbourne.
He opened a photography studio in Flinders Lane in 1946. Then, he began to establish himself as a photographer in this city, making his way through fashion, social and theatre circles. He also met acclaimed actress, artist and photographer June Newton during this time, and she later became his wife.
“We’re so looking forward to sharing Helmut Newton: In Focus with our visitors – a program that will inspire, challenge and undoubtedly leave an imprint on all who journey with us,” said Jewish Museum of Australia Director and CEO, Jessica Bram. “Not only will the exhibition showcase Newton’s iconic, trailblazing, and at times controversial works, it will also, and perhaps more significantly, share details of the lesser known aspects of Helmut’s Jewish heritage and his formative and ambitious twenty-year chapter here in Australia.”
This exhibition will have around 200 items on display, with original photographs, magazines and personal artefacts. Through this, you’ll gain a wider picture and understanding of the controversial and risqué photographer.