Exhibition Review: "Fragile Beauty" at V&A
What: The "Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection" exhibition showcases an extensive array of photography, spanning subjects from fashion to photojournalism.
Where: Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London
When: Open from May 18th to January 5th
Who: Curated collection by Sir Elton John and David Furnish, featuring works from renowned photographers including Cindy Sherman, Robert Mapplethorpe, Richard Avedon, Nan Goldin, and others.
Overview: "Fragile Beauty" encompasses 300 works by 140 artists, covering varied themes and styles. The exhibition continues from Tate Modern's 2016 "The Radical Eye," featuring more recent acquisitions that shift from early modernist photography to contemporary works.
Key Highlights: - The collection features iconic photographs of celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and The Beatles, offering a glimpse into the vulnerabilities and allure of fame. - A dedicated section to Robert Mapplethorpe and Nan Goldin highlights their significant influence and captures the essence of 1980s New York subcultures. - Themes like "Desire" and "Reportage" touch on the male body, fashion glitz, and profound moments of cultural history, including images of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy.
Experience: Visitors can expect an elaborate setup with nine thematic sections, each supported by color-coded walls to enhance the viewing experience. Notable works include an extensive display of Nan Goldin's raw and personal images, and gripping reportage photography that transcends traditional photojournalism.
For more information, visit vam.ac.uk.