Albert Watson | KAOS

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of photography at Leica Store and Gallery Meatpacking with our electrifying Saturday Morning series, Behind the Binding!

Join us for an invigorating conversation between renowned photographer Albert Watson and the book's editor, Reuel Golden. Together, they unravel the stories behind Watson's captivating works and acclaimed book, KAOS.

Programming begins promptly at 11:00 AM.

Following the talk, indulge in signed books with the artist!

Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance!

Albert Watson

KAOS

TASCHEN

What makes Albert Watson one of the world’s most revered photographers, hailed by peers, critics, and collectors alike? Is it his unparalleled portfolio of celebrity portraits? Breathtaking landscapes? Sensual nudes, still lifes, illustrious fashion shoots?

KAOS presents a kaleidoscopic overview of Watson’s career to date and the dazzling array of subjects, objects, people, and places he has encountered along the way. A skillfully curated and dynamic portfolio, it spans 50 years of photography as we encounter stars, statesmen, supermodels, and strangers; bound through neon-blazing cities; find figures poised, or shimmering with nude eroticism; roam the bright lights and the backstreets; soak up extravagant sunsets; and breathe in the elemental wilds of the photographer’s native Scotland.

Starting with Watson’s breakthrough portrait of Alfred Hitchcock for the Christmas 1973 edition of Harper’s Bazaar, each photograph reverberates with tightly coiled power, tension, and poetry. Whether it’s a portrait of a Las Vegas dominatrix, Elvis’s gold suit, a chimpanzee, or a street scene in China, Watson excels in capturing the surface seamlessly and probing its myriad depths. Along the way, his celebrity portraiture, including David Bowie, Jay Z, Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez, Pamela Anderson, Mick Jagger, Jack Nicholson, Steve Jobs, and Andy Warhol, shows a particular interest in the private person behind the iconic façade.

This remarkable collection is accompanied by an essay from the former head of photographs at Christie’s, Philippe Garner, and extensive quotes from Watson, as well as dozens of previously unpublished Polaroids, culled from Watson’s personal archives. The result is a defining document of the “photographer’s photographer,” iridescent in its graphic, often cinematic allure, and irresistible in its eclectic glory.

Albert Watson (b. 1942) was born in Scotland. His striking images have appeared on more than 100 Vogue covers and have been featured in countless other publications, including Rolling Stone and Time. Watson has also photographed for hundreds of successful ad campaigns for companies such as Prada, Revlon, and Chanel. All the while, he has spent much of his time working on personal projects from Marrakech to Las Vegas. His breakthrough came in 1973, with a shot he still considers the most important of his career: Alfred Hitchcock holding a plucked goose.

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