My first event is about Richard Avedon, he worked under Alexey Brodovitch for about 20 years. During this time I think this is when Richard developed his interesting ideas with photography, as Brodovitch himself was someone who challenged photography norms. In an article, I read about Richard's life it said that Brodovitch was a huge mentor in his life. It would make sense if he took some mannerisms from him. When looking at my image it is safe to say that this is a generic Richard photograph. He is known for shocking images, ones that are supposed to make you think, and also he is another shock value photographer. While this one isn't as shocking as his other works, it still is very much "out there". Lauren Hutton, the lady in the picture is inexplicably in your face. The difference between her black outfit and her bright skin draws your eye to that area of her exposed breast. As well her pose pushes that part of her out to you/the viewer. Knowing that Richard is known for shocking images and also knowing who he learned from I think it can help the viewer understand why this picture was set up the way it is. 

FamousGraphicDesigners. “Alexey Brodovitch | Biography, Designs and Facts.” Famous Graphic Designers, ? ? ?, www.famousgraphicdesigners.org…. Accessed 18 March 2024.

Hill, Kyerstin. “Richard Avedon | International Photography Hall of Fame.” International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, ? ? ?, iphf.org/inductees/richard-ave…. Accessed 18 March 2024.

Associated Places

by Maddie Meckley

My second event is about the world at the time. During this era, women's rights were blowing up across the country. There was a protest in September where women walked to protest the Miss America pageant. There were around 400 women who were involved in this protest, they wrote signs talking about how all women are beautiful. Ones criticizing the pagents by calling it a cattle auction. It may be a stretch but I think the gender war going on could have influenced this photo. I think this because like I said before Avedon's pictures had shock value, and I think this photo could be proving that women are comfortable in their sexuality and can have agency. 

Twombly, Matthew, and Kendrick McDonald. “A Timeline of 1968: The Year That Shattered America.” Smithsonian Magazine, 15 January 2018, www.smithsonianmag.com/history…. Accessed 18 March 2024. 

Associated Places

by Maddie Meckley

My third and final event is about Lauren Hutton, she was an actress and model. She would model for Avedon for around 4 years. Early in her career, she worked for Revlon, and often when she would model she would be scrutinized for the gap in her teeth. The people she worked with would often give her different types of wax or caps in an attempt to hide the gap. Which as you could probably guess, didn't work very well back then. Knowing that you could assume that that's why in this photograph for Chanel, Richard made her tilt her head back so she didn't have to worry about messing with her teeth. It also just makes the whole picture more provocative.

Many, Many. “Lauren Hutton.” Wikipedia, ? ? ?, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauren_H…. Accessed 18 March 2024.

Associated Places

by Maddie Meckley