Horst P. Horst Photographer of Style Exhibition - V&A

20 Nov

Exhibition

On the 18th November we visited the Victoria & Albert Museum to view photographs and unpublished, rare prints by Horst P. Horst
Horst is described as a master photographer, born in Germany his talent took him to Paris and New York. He was drawn to Paris like many artists during the 1920's/1930's and started work as an apprentice for an architect. Whilst doing this he met George Hoyningen-Huene an established fashion photographer who introduced Horst to creative 1930's Paris. George mentored Horst and taught him about fashion photography.

Shadows & Light

The first images shown as you go through the exhibition were in black wooden frames, these pictures were processed using silver gelatin and although black and white appear sepia toned. From a distance they look 3D and they are perfect up close. You cannot just be drawn to one thing in the photo, every part of it is made interesting and beautiful.

HORST P. HORST “I like taking photographs because I like life. And I like photographing people best of all because most of all I love humanity”

Iconic Imagery

From his photographs you can see why he is described as a master of light, composition and atmospheric illusion. His images were dim lit but doing this evoked curiosity to the viewer. Any light in the picture was perfectly placed and flattered any object. Horst joined Vogue in 1931 whilst working in Paris. Fashion illustration had begun to be overshadowed by fashion photography and Horst insisted that this kind of imagery be invested in. His most celebrated image was the Main Bocher Corset 1939 (centre) Main Bocher himself said about Horst's work 'Your photographs are sheer genius and delight my soul... each one is perfect by itself' I would agree that each picture is perfect by itself.

Exhibition - Images

During the 1940's when cinema was being greatly admired Horst took images of Hollywood stars, either in costume or as themselves. His work allowed him to travel and he also began taking pictures from natural sources, close ups of plants, shells and minerals printed in black and white this would be a collection of prints called 'patterns from nature' The introduction of colour photography did not have any effect on Horst's work, being known for black and white, dark and mysterious photos, using colour showcased his talent in another form and his colour prints were used on the cover of Vogue. This exhibition was really interesting, being able to see how light and dark play such an important role in photography and how Horst was able to use it to make iconic images that have lasted through time.