The ‘From The Heart’ exhibition of Douglas Kirkland’s work will include a selection of 17 images by the photographer – a distinctive mix between his revered portraits and more-quiet behind the scenes moments.
With an impressive career spanning over six decades, Canadian-born photographer and filmmaker Douglas Kirkland (1934-2022) was destined for greatness from the very beginning. His contributions to photography have earned him numerous awards. He has won the President Award from the A.S.C. (American Society of Cinematographers). He also received the coveted Lucie Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Douglas Kirkland’s work currently resides in the following museum collections:
| The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. |
| The National Portrait Gallery in London |
| The Houston Centre of Photography |
| The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. The National Portrait Gallery in London The Houston Centre of Photography |
| The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills |
Early on in his career, Kirkland worked in a small photography studio in Richmond, Virginia. It was during this formative and influential period that he became fascinated by the works of Irving Penn. As a young photographer he made the bold move to contact Penn via letter, an ambitious decision which eventually led to Kirkland’s employment as Penn’s assistant during the 1950s.
When Douglas Kirkland left Irving Penn
Leaving Irving Penn’s studio marked the beginning of his enduring and illustrious career at the cutting edge of fashion, portraiture, and celebrity photography. Kirkland began by building his own portfolio and career through small collaborations with lesser-known magazines.
He worked initially with LOOK Magazine and later with LIFE, Paris Match, The Sunday Times Magazine and Italian Vanity Fair — his work for these prestigious publications immortalized the cultural icons of the 20th Century.
Kirkland’s portraits are characterised by their profound sense of human connection, empathy, and respect. He photographed monumental stars such as Marilyn Monroe, whom he took in a closed studio setting in 1961, and Coco Chanel whilst she worked during the latter part of her career.
He garnered many photojournalist assignments during the 1960s & 1970s and took his technical ability out of the studio and on to the film set, where he reflected the different sides of the world of cinema through his lens. In his lifetime he published more than 10 books, including the monograph on his career: Douglas Kirkland – A Life in Pictures, released in 2013.
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All works in the exhibition are also for sale. Please contact:
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