From December 6th, 2024, to May 25th, 2025, the Phoenix Art Museum presents Richard Avedon: Among Creatives, a compelling exhibition showcasing over 50 works from the Center for Creative Photography’s collection. This exhibition highlights Avedon’s masterful portraits of artists, writers, and performers, alongside his groundbreaking contributions to fashion photography. Born in New York City, Avedon’s career began with Harper’s Bazaar, later expanding to capture some of the most iconic figures of his time.
The exhibition explores Avedon’s unique approach to portraiture, where he exposed the gap between his subjects’ public personas and private realities. Highlights include his haunting photograph of Marilyn Monroe, revealing her vulnerability beneath her dazzling facade, and his striking portrait of Allen Ginsberg and his family, which blends intimacy with raw honesty.
Curated by Emilia Mickevicius, PhD, the exhibition is part of a larger traveling show, Richard Avedon: Relationships, curated by Rebecca Senf, PhD. Avedon’s work reflects his fascination with fame, mortality, and the humanity of his subjects. Visitors can also explore portraits of cultural icons like Andy Warhol, Marlene Dietrich, and John Ford, alongside legendary models such as Veruschka and Dovima.
Through these images, Avedon challenges viewers to consider the complexities of identity and legacy in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.
Marilyn Monroe, actor, New York, May 6, 1957
Photo: Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona: Richard Avedon Archive
Courtesy of THE RICHARD AVEDON FOUNDATION
Dovima with elephants, evening dress by Dior, Cirque d’Hiver, Paris, August 1955
Photo: Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona: Richard Avedon Archive
Courtesy of THE RICHARD AVEDON FOUNDATION
Paul McCartney, The Beatles Portfolio, London, England, August 11, 1967
Photo: Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona: Richard Avedon Archive
Courtesy of THE RICHARD AVEDON FOUNDATION
