Irving Penn Centennial at the MET-A Phenomenal Exhibit of Penn's Extensive Photos

Irving Penn (b Amer 1917-2009) is a world renown photographer known for his iconic fashion photos that elevated both haute couture to a higher caliber and guided towards broad cultural awareness & admiration.  The admiration was not only for the exquisite clothing & beautiful models it was for the art of the photograph itself.  Many of his iconic shots of fashion models wearing designer clothing are on view.  His photos graced the cover & pages of Vogue mag. more than any other photographer.   His photos of these gorgeous women in stunning outfits are engaging as they share a common thread of bravado, wit, composition and allure that is inviting.  The cunning combination of structure with movement, fluidity with power and enticing composition provide the viewer an intelligent interaction to his photos. The Dior & Balenciaga couture illustrate Penn's grasp of design, fabric and structure. His favorite muse, Lisa Fonssagrives, whom he married was a former dancer.  Penn photographed a plethora of famous people from the worlds of art, dance, literature & theater.  These photos capture an explosive essence of these remarkably gifted individuals.  Penn used a simple muted backdrop or put the subject in a corner which enhanced their intensity.  These famous portraits are enthralling & enough reason to visit this marvelous exhibit.  I was taken with them all.  Those that particularily prodded an amplified interaction were:  Picasso, Balanchine, Ailey, DuChamp, Colette, Capote, Miro, Dali, a dour Hitchcock, a pensive Le Corbusier and a barely recognizable young Richard Burton. "I recognize it {the camera} for the instrument that it is, part Stradivarius, part scalpel." (IPenn)  Penn's "Small Trade" series captured riveting photos of workers of various, unglamorous vocations in NYC, Paris & London.  The subjects pose with wares of their profession (bakers, butchers, sewer cleaners, etc.)  There is a pride and joy Penn captures.  There's engrossing photos of people from Peru & the tribes of New Guinea exposing us to exotic & unfamiliar worlds and are mesmerizing.   One gallery contains a series of nudes.  These were not accepted in the 1950's when first shown.  The nudes expose skin with folds, drapes and a tactile aesthetic found in the oeuvre of his fashion shoots.  Penn was prolific & experimentive throughout his long career.  His earlest works were still lifes displaying his talent for composition & intrigue.  He returned to still lifes towards the end of his career.  These vivid florals & images are luscious with color & beauty.  This expansive exhibit offers so much to relish it requires another look.  "To me personally, photography is a way to overcome mortality."  (I Penn)