"Long necks. The thrust of the head in a certain position. The way the fingers work, fabrics work. It’s all part of my painting background."
~ Lillian Bassman
Lillian Bassman, celebrated photographer of the mid-20th century, earned her distinction through an imaginative fusion of fashion and fine art photography. Her greatness emanated from her revolutionary style, marked by soft focus, experimental darkroom techniques, and inventive composition. In an era often focused on superficial aesthetics, Bassman's work exuded emotional depth, portraying subjects in ways that resonated beyond the surface. Collaborative in approach, she captured candid moments that defied conventions, fostering a genuine connection between photographer and model. Her editorial contributions to Harper's Bazaar and her capacity to transform existing negatives into contemporary art further solidified her legacy.
Lillian Bassman's work is included in our current exhibition, The Fashion Show, on view in our Santa Monica gallery until October 7th, 2023.
