Albert Watson's Kaos: A Visual Journey Through Iconic Photography
Albert Watson, one of the most influential photographers of the past fifty years, is celebrated in a new book titled Albert Watson – Kaos, published by Taschen. This comprehensive volume showcases his unmistakable, often cinematic style that has profoundly shaped fashion, portraiture, fine art, and still life photography. Featuring iconic portraits of stars like David Bowie, Kate Moss, and Jack Nicholson, as well as personal explorations of locations such as Las Vegas, Scotland, and Morocco, the book also includes previously unpublished Polaroids from Watson's personal archives, offering a unique glimpse into his intuitive vision.
Capturing the Stars: From Grace Jones to Steve Jobs
Born in Scotland in 1942, Albert Watson's striking images have graced over 100 covers of Vogue and have been featured in numerous publications including Rolling Stone and Time. His portfolio extends to successful advertising campaigns for prestigious brands like Prada, Revlon, and Chanel. The book highlights memorable shots, such as Grace Jones and Dolph Lundgren in New York City in 1983, and Dennis Rodman covered in gold leaf for a Rolling Stone feature in 1996. Watson recalls Rodman lying patiently for three hours during the shoot, showcasing the photographer's meticulous approach.
In 2006, Watson photographed Steve Jobs in Cupertino, California, where Jobs expressed surprise at Watson's continued use of film. Watson explained that digital technology wasn't quite ready, to which Jobs agreed, predicting its eventual advancement. This anecdote underscores Watson's dedication to traditional methods while acknowledging technological progress.
Creative Campaigns and Personal Projects
Watson's creativity shines in campaigns like the Lavazza coffee shoot in 1996, where he transformed a mundane concept into a surreal scene with giant coffee cups, spoons, and nude models. He also embarked on personal projects, such as the series Twelve Monkeys in 1992, which included a chimpanzee named Casey enjoying a cup of tea. Watson bonded with the chimp during an advertising job, leading to this whimsical portrait that blends humour with artistry.
Intimate Moments with Celebrities
The book reveals intimate behind-the-scenes stories, like Sade's reaction to her gold-sprayed nude shoot for the Love Deluxe album cover in 1992. She found it too sexy, but her manager insisted it was perfect. Similarly, Jack Nicholson spontaneously sat in the snow during a 1981 shoot in Aspen, Colorado, creating a surreal and memorable image in just five minutes. Kate Moss, working on her 19th birthday in Marrakech in 1993, endured a long day to produce the reflective water portrait, highlighting her dedication and Watson's collaborative spirit.
Artistic Influences and Landscape Work
Watson's work is influenced by artists like Gerhard Richter and Peter Doig, evident in his recent Isle of Skye landscapes from 2013. These images challenge perceptions of structure, colour, and texture, reflecting a painterly approach. Watson spent six months planning the trip, focusing on emotional influences in the landscape rather than specific shots, demonstrating his evolution towards more controlled, artistic expressions.
Philippe Garner, former head of photographs at Christie's, notes in an essay that Watson's portfolio is exceptionally diverse, with no single signature style. Instead, Watson finds pictorial solutions for each challenge, whether in fashion, portraiture, or advertising. His forte lies in a heroic, larger-than-life portrayal of subjects, with precise control over lighting and dramatic effects, as seen in his 1989 shot of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in New York City.
Albert Watson – Kaos is a tribute to a photographer whose vision has captivated audiences for decades, blending celebrity allure with artistic innovation in a way that continues to inspire and intrigue.
