The Edition

Vibrant colours, striking visuals, provocative elements – David LaChapelle is known for working outside any conventional norms, creating his own rules and opening new horizons. As one of the most influential and celebrated photographers, LaChapelle continuously sets new standards for photography and portraiture.

Elizabeth Taylor pictured in a turquoise living room, wearing a bright pink gown, a matching turban and heavy make-up. A dog on her lap. An almost empty Martini glass on the table. David Bowie is sitting in what seems to be a messy operating room. A life-size doll across his lap. Surgical instruments scattered on the floor.

THROUGH THE LENS

David LaChapelle has made a name for himself with his surreal photography that sometimes borders on the grotesque. After moving to New York City at age 17, the Connecticut- born photographer presented his first photography exhibition other than Andy Warhol, who hired him to work at Interview Magazine. From the start of his career, the high-ranking visual artist’s style struck a chord with the flashy pop world.

Through his incomparable mastery of colour and his imaginative narratives, LaChapelle soon began to expand the genre of photography and started to develop his artistic handwriting that challenged devices of traditional photography. Besides surrealism, his imagery also reveals influences of Pop Art and art history, Renaissance paintings in particular. Each photograph takes viewers on a journey of discovery through bright colours, rule-bending concepts and provocative depictions. His use of elaborate sets and exaggerated compositions has earned him a reputation as one of the most influential contemporary photographers.

CREATIVE WEALTH

It did not take long for his work to gain international interest, making him one of the most published photographers throughout the world. Eminem, Cher, Tupac Shakur, Mariah Carey, David Bowie, Whitney Houston – the biggest A-list celebrities were eager to become part of LaChapelle’s artistic world. With his photographs and campaigns being featured in magazines like Vanity Fair, Vogue or Rolling Stone, his popularity also transcended into the fashion and lifestyle scene where he became one of the most sought-after names. High fashion luxury brands like Kenzo, Bottega Veneta, Giorgio Armani or Maybach successfully collaborated with David LaChapelle to create emotionally charged and highly expressive campaigns.

Besides photography, LaChapelle expanded into music video, film and stage projects. His creative direction and production of music videos for artists like Amy Winehouse, Robbie Williams, Elton John or Jennifer Lopez, have earned him several awards. His 2005 feature film Rize that talks about Krumping, a dance style that originated in the South of Los Angeles, was released in 17 countries.

Over the past 30 years, LaChapelle has exhibited internationally in galleries and museums all over the world. The National Portrait Gallery (London), Mus.e de Monnaie (Paris), Victoria and Albert Museum (London), Groningen Museum (The Netherlands), Palazzo Reale (Milano), and many more became showplaces of his work.

In the fall of 2023, LaChapelle was honoured with the “Lorenzo il Magnifico” Lifetime Achievement Award at the XIV Florence Biennale.