See the soul capturing work of Richard Avedon now on display at the Norton Museum of Art

Richard Avedon revolutionized fashion photography in the post-World War II era with his spirited, imaginative images of the modern woman. Avedon did not conform to the standard technique of taking fashion photographs, instead he chose to capture models full of emotion and in motion, smiling and laughing.

His portraits are easily distinguished by their minimalist style, where the person is looking squarely in the camera, posed in front of a sheer white background. Avedon would at times evoke reactions from his portrait subjects by guiding them into uncomfortable areas of discussion or asking them psychologically probing questions. Through these means he would produce images revealing aspects of his subject's character and personality that were not typically captured by others.

Organized by the International Center for Photography, the spectacular exhibit of his work features more than 160 works – including edition and vintage prints, contact sheets, and original magazines – created during Avedon’s long career at Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, The New Yorker, and beyond.
Catch the exhibit entitled Avedon Fashion 1944-2000 now through May 9 at the Norton Museum.