Irving Penn: Centennial

The exhibition Irving Penn: Centennial is currently on view at the MOP Foundation in A Coruña, Spain, running from November 23rd, 2024, to May 1st, 2025. Organized by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in collaboration with The Irving Penn Foundation, this retrospective celebrates the extraordinary career of one of the 20th century’s most influential photographers. With 175 works on display, the exhibition marks Penn’s first major retrospective in Spain, showcasing his innovative approach to photography and his enduring artistic legacy.

Penn’s work redefined photography as a fine art, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. The exhibition captures his ability to distill the essence of his subjects, whether in minimalist still lifes, fashion editorials, or portraits of both cultural icons and everyday people. From the graceful lines of haute couture by Dior and Balenciaga to intimate studies of tradespeople and residents of far-flung regions like Dahomey and Cuzco, Penn’s images resonate with timeless beauty and precision.

Highlights include Penn’s iconic portraits of cultural luminaries such as Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, and Salvador Dalí, as well as designers Gianni Versace and Issey Miyake. The exhibition also features his famous still-life series, including large-scale studies of cigarette butts and crumpled paper cups, which elevate mundane objects into works of art. Penn’s floral compositions and experimental nudes further reflect his meticulous craftsmanship and mastery of light.

This industrial-style exhibition space in A Coruña, enhanced by an architectural installation, also offers visitors a glimpse into Penn’s creative process. Original artefacts, such as a fabric backdrop used for his portraits and vintage Vogue covers featuring his work, complement the photographs on display. Marta Ortega Pérez, chair of Inditex and founder of the MOP Foundation, emphasizes the exhibition’s goal to enrich cultural life in the region while celebrating Penn’s enduring relevance.