Mark Shaw ‘In the Moment’ exhibition
The unofficial family photographer for the Kennedys, capturing the candid Coco Chanel, backstage at Dior… Mark Shaw is one of the most renowned fashion photographers of the last century.
Mark Shaw: In the Moment, presented by Becker Minty Art is a photographic exhibition by one of the foremost fashion photographers of the ‘50s and ’60s. Shaw’s intimate outtakes of fashion and society in the era celebrated for style are as delightful as they are impressive.
Shaw enjoyed a stellar career including posts at Harper’s Bazaar, Mademoiselle and LIFE, and also worked closely with Dior. Entering the privileged world of fashion couture and elegant society, he brought to fashion photography an insider’s context, a certain sophistication and a rare glimpse of the personalities behind society, celebrity and fashion. Shaw moved beyond the catwalk and the garment and delivered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the fitting room and the inner world of models, socialites and actresses.
As the unofficial family photographer for the Kennedys, Mark Shaw developed a strong friendship with John and Jackie and regularly visited the White House during their tenure. But his assignments for LIFE magazine also gave him access to some of the most notable celebrities of the ‘50s including Audrey Hepburn, Pablo Picasso, Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Yves Saint Laurent and Coco Chanel.
Jason Minty said: ‘Some of his advertising campaigns, like Mod Party 1962 for US Lines cruise ship, are brilliant in capturing the fabulousness of the 1960’s. I love mid-century interiors so these images are a particular highlight for me. There is something about his images that take me back to what I perceive as the ‘glamour days’ and make me want to be part of them.’
‘Although most of Mark’s images are directed specifically for magazine shoots, there are many that are a little more ‘in the moment, often giving us a slightly more behind the scenes or more natural look into the chosen celebrity. These are the images that I favour most – Coco sorting through buttons with a cigarette hanging from her mouth, being a personal favourite.’
The image of Coco Chanel is our personal favourite too, though it’s a difficult choice when being granted a rare insiders peak into the most stylish icons of the 20th century… the exhibition runs until the end of August and there are limited edition prints available for purchase.
MARK SHAW: IN THE MOMENT
Becker Minty
7/81 Macleay Street, Potts Point 2011
Mon – Fri
10:30am to 6:00pm
Sat – Sun
10.00am to 5.00pm
4 August – 31 August 2016
Credits: Photography by © Mark Shaw courtesy of MPTV Images
