Eve Arnold: The Woman Fashion Photographer Who Changed How We Perceive Fashion
Eve Arnold, a trailblazing woman fashion photographer, began her career with Magnum in 1951.
It has been more than 70 years since then. A new exhibition at the Newlands House Gallery in Britain celebrates her work.
Her elaborate archive is on display, and the topic is much beyond women. Further, there is a good mix of her most noted work along with the less popular ones.
However, her work has always been impactful, and her outlook makes all the difference.
The most known works at display are Malcolm X in Washington and the iconic Marilyn Monroe on the set of “The Misfits.”
However, one groundbreaking work of this woman fashion photographer was how she kept shooting the weekly fashion shows of black models. One has to remember that she did it at a time when discrimination was at its peak.
So, today, there are no qualms in marking her work as “incredible.” She was consistent in getting access to elements or subjects most did not have. It helped her to break taboos.
In addition, through her lenses, she depicted a non-judgemental and empathetic portrayal. So, she truly taught us to see fashion from a different angle.
Her range of work is great because it has managed to touch on subjects like social segregation, different sexual orientations (celebration of lesbian marriage), and the vulnerability of great artists.
It was possible because she built a sincere bond with the subject she captured.
Eve never wanted her work and its impact to be about Marilyn Monroe’s work. But knowing the infamous vulnerabilities and breakdowns of Marilyn Monroe, it’s Eve’s empathy that has resulted in such a beautiful outcome.
Above all, Eve was always curious and thus could unfold the elements probably no one could decipher as a photographer.
This way, the work of the trailblazing woman fashion photographer still remains relevant today. If you want to know more about this virtuoso photographer, don’t forget to give “The Unretouched Woman” a read.
Also Read
