Helmut Newton Talk & Tour with Foam

After an introduction of Newton’s work by curator Mirjam Kooiman, we explored the topic of contemporary professional photography practice.

Upcoming photographer Carlijn Jacobs, who’s photography is currently on show in Foam 3h, gave an interesting explanation of  her work in the context of Helmut Newton’s oeuvre.

Afterwards Mirjam Kooiman, Carlijn Jacobs and Thamar Luthart, creative director of PUP Creative Agency,  discussed topics such as:

– Is the way Newton developed his professional practice an exception or are photographers relatively free to bring their own creative ideas to the table?
– How should a commercial photographer approach his ambitions for an independent practice?
– How can a young photographer find the appropriate balance between commissioned and free work?

After the evening talks and drinks on the Rooftop of Spaces Vijzelstraat, we headed over to Foam to explore the major works of Helmut Newton, in the biggest retrospective of his work, to date.

About the Exhibition

From 17 June 2016, Foam presents a major exhibition of the work of Helmut Newton (Berlin, 1920 – West Hollywood, 2004), a legendary, supremely influential photographer. Taking over the entire building on Amsterdam’s Keizersgracht, the retrospective features over 200 photographs, ranging from early prints that rarely go on display to monumental photos.

Helmut Newton took up his camera in 1950s, but his breakthrough didn’t come until the 1970s, primarily with the striking photographs he produced on commission for French Vogue. Women and underlying themes such as power, eroticism and desire are central to his work. Seriousness and irony go hand in hand here. Newton also developed into an extremely successful and influential portrait photographer, who captured all the major names of his time – from film stars to politicians – with his camera.

Newton is responsible for a rich, authentic and complex oeuvre that can be considered one of the most iconic of the 20th century. The works featured in the exhibition are from the collection of the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin. Helmut by June, the film made by Newton’s wife June in 1995, will also be screened.

The exhibition is organised in close collaboration with the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin.

Helmut Newton – A Retrospective is made possible with the support of Main Sponsor Wolford, Lead Benefactor Fonds 21 and Project Partners Spaces and VSBfonds.

Spaces is official partner of the Helmut Newton exhibition. Foam and Spaces organize several  events around Newton. On the 16th of August you are welcome for a nice breakfast at Spaces Vijzelstraat. After that we will head over to Foam for a guided tour. Read more about this event.