Albert Watson's Kaos: A Photographic Journey Through Iconic Portraits
Albert Watson, one of the most influential photographers of the past fifty years, is celebrated in a new book titled Albert Watson – Kaos, published by Taschen. This collection showcases his unmistakable, cinematic style that has profoundly shaped fashion, portraiture, fine art, and still life photography. Featuring previously unpublished Polaroids from Watson's personal archives, the book offers a unique tribute to his intuitive and diverse vision.
Star-Studded Portraits and Unforgettable Moments
Watson's career is marked by iconic images of celebrities, including a gold-covered Dennis Rodman, Jack Nicholson sitting serenely in the snow, and a reflective Kate Moss in Marrakech. Born in Scotland in 1942, his work has graced over 100 covers of Vogue and appeared in publications like Rolling Stone and Time, alongside successful ad campaigns for brands such as Prada, Revlon, and Chanel.
Behind the Lens: Stories of Creativity and Collaboration
The book reveals fascinating anecdotes from Watson's shoots. For instance, Sade initially resisted a nude, gold-sprayed photo for her Love Deluxe album cover, deeming it too sexy, but her manager insisted it was perfect. In another tale, Watson bonded with a chimpanzee named Casey during a tea break, leading to a personal project featuring the chimp with a gun. His innovative approach also transformed a mundane Lavazza coffee campaign into a surreal scene with giant props and nude models.
Diverse Genres and Artistic Influences
Philippe Garner, former head of photographs at Christie's, notes in an essay that Watson's portfolio is exceptionally diverse, spanning fashion, portraiture, nudes, dance, still life, and landscape. Watson draws inspiration from artists like Gerhard Richter and Peter Doig, evident in his recent Isle of Skye landscapes that challenge perceptions of structure, colour, and texture. His method involves meticulous planning and a painterly control over elements like distortion and movement.
Legacy and Impact
Watson's forte lies in his heroic, larger-than-life portrayals and precise control over lighting, whether in studios or on location. From capturing Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in New York to exploring personal projects in Morocco and Scotland, his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
