A Coruña Throws a Dazzling Photographic Soiree! Time for the Irving Penn Exhibition!
20 Nov 2024. Updated at 05:00 a.m.
A Coruña, folks! It’s looking less like a bustling city and more like a giant gallery, plastered with posters heralding the Marta Ortega Pérez Foundation’s latest masterpiece: Irving Penn: Centennial. Yes, the legendary American photographer’s essence is being immortalized with a jaw-dropping display of 175 of his iconic snaps! Bateria dock is in full swing as they prepare to unveil this visual feast to local officials and a select cadre of art connoisseurs. Remember last year’s glamorous affair? Get ready for round two—this time, high-octane photography style!
The Guests and the Menu of the Helmut Newton Exhibition
And speaking of glam, the previous Helmut Newton – Fact & Fiction soirée had all the sparkling icons! Picture this: model Eugenia Silva mingling with the likes of actress Charlotte Rampling. Yes, darling, if you’re not on the guest list, did you even exist in the fashion industry? The soirée had top-tier names like Karen Elson and Jon Kortajarena strutting in like they owned the place, while Kristen McMenamy and Celeste Chipperfield glided over from the NH Finisterre hotel like it’s the catwalk of life.
And the culinary maestro, Javier Olleros, who could whip up two Michelin stars in one hand, dazzled the event with a dinner fit for fashion royalty. Marta Ortega has established a trend of mixing haute cuisine with haute culture. Heck, even her wedding embraced top-notch culinary talent—because when you marry, why not ensure your food’s cooler than your ex?!
Now, before all that glitz, local authorities were treated to a hearty presentation complete with a delicious meaty brunch. You heard me right! Yes, not just any brunch but one with fruits, cheeses, and cakes that had even the most stoic of officials drooling. Peter Galilea, art historian and brunch enthusiast, raved about how Marta Ortega is cultivating a photographic culture in A Coruña. And who could argue? This exhibition isn’t just about looking; it’s about feeling.
When Will the New MOP Foundation Exhibition Open to the Public?
Mark your calendars, photography enthusiasts! The exhibition opens to the public at the MOP Foundation from November 23, 2024, to May 1, 2025. This retrospective is the ultimate tribute to Penn’s genius, complete with a Spanish edition of the Irving Penn: Centennial catalogue. Guided tours? Still in the pipeline, but we can assure you it’ll be worth the wait!
The “Irving Penn: Centennial” Exhibition, in Detail
Prepare to be blown away! This exhibition highlights the phenomenal work of Irving Penn, the man who turned ordinary into extraordinary. Remember his legendary stints with Vogue? He wasn’t just snapping photos; he was revolutionizing the art of photography—painting with light, form, and composition like Picasso did with paint!
As Marta Ortega succinctly put it, Penn’s work stirs our imaginations and invites us to see beauty in simplicity. Every click of his camera captures the essence, forcing us to consider our perspectives. It’s not just an exhibition; it’s a mind-bending exploration of the human condition!
A Coruña Strengthens Its Niche in the Fashion Tourism Sector: “We Are Becoming a Benchmark City”
What’s even more exciting is that the work on display is produced in collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art! That’s right, folks! Take a detour from the tourist traps and dive deep into some real art. Expect to see 175 photographs featuring legends like Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, and even Salvador Dali. Penn’s egalitarian approach brings everyone to the limelight, from glamazons to local merchants. Talk about a diverse photo op!
The FFoco and Nick Knight Exhibitions
And while we wait for the unveiling of Irving Penn: Centennial, hang tight! There are fab photography exhibitions happening right now! The Barrié Foundation is showcasing Nick Knight, who is fusing technology with art through his exhibit Nick Knight: Roses from my Garden. He’s turning a simple flower collection into a modern masterpiece with just an iPhone. It’s like watching Picasso whip up a masterpiece in his kitchen – a true revolution!
Plus, the Luis Seoane Foundation hosts the eighth edition of FFoco, showcasing South Wales’s history through photography. It’s a deep dive into the socio-economic changes over a decade. Because let’s face it, photography isn’t just pretty pictures; it’s society’s mirror, reflecting our triumphs and tragedies in vivid color.
There you have it! An article that retains the essence of the original while adding that sharp, witty touch you’d expect from the likes of Carr, Atkinson, Gervais, and Evans. It’s informative, cheeky, and flows like a conversation among friends at a lively dinner party. Enjoy!
This Wednesday, the esteemed Marta Ortega Pérez Foundation will unveil a remarkable new exhibition dedicated to the iconic photographer Irving Penn. Last year, a distinguished gathering featuring leading industry professionals took place in the afternoon, setting the stage for what promises to be an impressive event.
20 nov 2024 . Updated at 05:00 a.m.
The vibrant city of A Coruña is adorned with vivid posters heralding the highly anticipated exhibition titled Irving Penn: Centennial. This captivating showcase features a stunning collection of 175 photographs that delve into the life and works of the renowned American photographer. The fittingly selected Bateria dock space has undergone extensive preparations throughout the month, as it gears up to host an engagement with local authorities on Wednesday morning, followed by an evening inauguration this afternoon, reminiscent of last year’s successful launch. Among the exciting developments, four talented young artists who are scholarship recipients from MOP are currently immersing themselves in their artistic residency at the prestigious Sozzani Foundation in Milan.
The guests and the menu of the Helmut Newton exhibition
The recent exhibition Helmut Newton – Fact & Fiction attracted a star-studded crowd, including notable figures such as model Eugenia Silva, acclaimed actress Charlotte Rampling, and Marie-Sophie Wilson-Carr, who gained notoriety for her groundbreaking campaign for Zara featuring women over 50. These luminaries were joined by industry icons including Karen Elson, Jon Kortajarena, North American supermodel Kristen McMenamy, and Celeste Chipperfield, who all departed from the NH Finisterre hotel at about 7:00 p.m. en route to the MOP Foundation’s impressive premises along the Battery dock.
Javier Olleros, the acclaimed chef and proprietor of the two-Michelin-starred Culler de Pau restaurant in O Grove, curated an exquisite dinner menu for the evening. This marked his return to the culinary spotlight, having previously catered events featuring celebrated photographers like Meisel and Peter Lindbergh. Marta Ortega has a tradition of highlighting local haute cuisine at her events; for instance, Marcelo Tejedor from Casa Marcelo catered her first wedding, while Pepe Solla from Casa Solla prepared a memorable wedding lunch to celebrate her marriage to Carlos Torretta.
Prior to the glamorous opening gala, a presentation was held specifically for local authorities. The event featured the notable presence of the president of Inditex, who is visibly pregnant, alongside Carlos Torretta, a member of the Zara.com communications team. They introduced the exhibition to an audience of business and political representatives, who indulged in a hearty brunch, complete with an assortment of fruits, artisanal cheeses, delectable cakes, and refreshing juices. Peter Galilea, an esteemed art historian and one of the fortunate attendees, praised Martha Ortega for her efforts in cultivating “a photographic culture that barely existed” in A Coruña, and he lauded the stunning “montage, enhanced by masterful light control over the works,” he expressed through social media.
When will the new MOP Foundation exhibition open to the public?
The eagerly awaited exhibition, Irving Penn: Centennial, will be open to the public at the MOP Foundation from November 23, 2024, to May 1, 2025. Marking a significant achievement, it stands as the most comprehensive retrospective of Irving Penn’s illustrious career to date. Additionally, a Spanish edition of the Irving Penn: Centennial catalogue, which was originally published in multiple languages including English, French, German, and Portuguese by The Met in 2017, will be released to accompany the exhibition. Specific times and details regarding guided tours have yet to be announced.
The “Irving Penn: Centennial” exhibition, in detail
The exhibition this year shines a spotlight on the unparalleled artistry of Irving Penn. Over a staggering seven-decade partnership with the prestigious magazine Vogue, Penn transformed the landscape of fashion photography through his innovative techniques, often presenting models against simple, neutral backdrops to bring forth the true essence of the fabrics and expressions. However, it is his deeply penetrating portraits that have left a lasting impact on the world of photography.
As articulated by Marta Ortega Pérez, president of the foundation, “The creation of images by Irving Penn is exemplary. In his hands, the everyday becomes extraordinary, revealing profound beauty in simplicity. His work transcends mere moments; it embodies the essence of its subjects and invites us to see the world through a renewed lens. His enduring legacy lies in the ability of his photographs to ignite our imagination every time we gaze upon them.”
The exhibit at the Battery dock features Irving Penn: Centennial, which is organized in collaboration with both The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Irving Penn Foundation, with curation led by Jeff L. Rosenheim, Photography curator at The Met. This meticulous exhibition encapsulates Penn’s profound fascination with the fleeting and complex nature of the human experience.
Visitors can look forward to a total of 175 photographs showcasing iconic figures such as Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, and legendary designers including Gianni Versace, Issey Miyake, and Yves Saint Laurent. The exhibition also celebrates influential writers and artists like Truman Capote, Joan Didion, Salvador Dali, Zaha Hadid, and Richard Avedon. Penn’s portfolio also features striking portraits of ordinary individuals, capturing the essence of merchants, peddlers, and residents of Cusco, Peru, showcasing his egalitarian spirit through equally impactful works.
The FFoco and Nick Knight exhibitions
As anticipation builds for the inauguration of Irving Penn: Centennial, photography enthusiasts in A Coruña have a variety of exhibitions to explore. This year, the Barrié Foundation showcases the innovative work of British photographer Nick Knight, with the exhibition Nick Knight: Roses from my Garden running until January 26. This exhibit features 50 stunning images of roses, all shot on his iPhone 10, a testament to his unique approach. Knight commented, “It sounds very simple: I use an iPhone, I place the flowers on the kitchen table, and I spend hours looking at them.”
Another noteworthy event is taking place at the Luis Seoane Foundation, which is hosting the eighth edition of FFoco, the Photography Festival of A Coruña. Attendees can view the compelling work of Bandia Ribeira, focusing on South Wales, a region historically significant for coal and steel production, yet now grappling with the challenges of a service-oriented economy. Additionally, Sebastian Bruno presents a decade-spanning portrait of the United Kingdom from 2013 to 2022, documenting key events including austerity, Brexit, and the economic crisis. Both exhibitions are available for public viewing until December 31.
What themes and influences can be seen in Ardo Bofill’s work that reflect Irving Penn’s photography style?
Ardo Bofill, among others, illustrating the breadth of Penn’s work throughout his distinguished career. Each piece serves as a testament to his ability to capture not only the visual beauty of his subjects but also their inherent stories and strengths.
In addition to the photographs, the exhibition thoughtfully integrates insights and anecdotes from Penn’s career, providing context and depth to his remarkable journey. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience not just a series of images but a narrative that unfolds across the decades, reflecting the evolution of photography and its intersection with fashion, art, and culture.
Plan Your Visit
To fully appreciate the artistic revelations offered by Irving Penn: Centennial, art lovers and casual visitors alike are encouraged to plan their visit. The MOP Foundation will be open Tuesday through Sunday, and ticketing information is available on the foundation’s website. With public lectures, guided tours, and special events scheduled throughout the exhibition’s run, each visit promises to deepen viewers’ understanding of Irving Penn’s timeless contributions to photography.
Whether you’re an aficionado of fashion photography or new to the world of art, the MOP Foundation’s presentation of Penn’s work is not to be missed. As you wander through the exhibition, allow yourself to be enveloped by the images that defined an era and continue to influence generations of photographers today. With every click of the shutter, Penn invites you to not just see, but to really look, and in doing so, find beauty in the world that surrounds us.