Irving Penn was one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, renowned for his iconic street photography that captured the essence of urban life in America. Penn’s photography style was unique, capturing candid moments of ordinary people going about their daily lives in the city streets. His work has inspired generations of photographers, and his legacy continues to shape the world of street photography today.
Early Life and Career
Irving Penn was born in 1917 in New Jersey and grew up in Philadelphia. He was passionate about art from a young age, and after graduating from high school, he attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art. After completing his studies, Penn moved to New York City to pursue a career in art and began working as an assistant to the famous fashion photographer, Alexey Brodovitch.
Street Photography
Penn’s interest in street photography began in the 1940s when he started to explore the city streets of New York with his camera. He was fascinated by the diversity of people and the energy of the city, and he captured these moments in his photographs. His street photography was not only aesthetically beautiful but also served as a commentary on society and culture.
One of Penn’s most famous street photographs is “Two Children in Harlem,” taken in 1962. The photograph captures two young boys sitting on a stoop, surrounded by the crumbling buildings of their neighborhood. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the poverty and inequality that existed in many American cities during the 1960s.
Later Career
In the 1950s, Penn became a staff photographer for Vogue magazine and began to focus on fashion photography. However, he continued to take street photographs throughout his career, and his work continued to evolve and inspire.
One of Penn’s most famous fashion photographs is the 1950 photograph of the model Lisa Fonssagrives wearing a black dress and white gloves. The photograph has become an iconic image of fashion photography and has been widely reproduced and imitated.
Legacy
Irving Penn’s legacy continues to influence street and fashion photography today. His unique style and approach to photography have inspired generations of photographers, and his work continues to be celebrated in exhibitions and publications around the world.
Irving Penn was a master of street photography, capturing the essence of urban life in America with his unique and insightful approach. His work has inspired generations of photographers, and his legacy continues to shape the world of street photography and fashion photography today. If you’re interested in exploring the world of street photography, studying Penn’s work is a great place to start.