In 1989, after hitting rock bottom, Elton John sold many of his possessions at a Sotheby’s auction. All but a few photographs, that is. The following year, the British rock star got sober and began to put together what is now viewed as one of the single best private photography collections in the world.
Now, that coveted private collection is on public display. This month, the Tate Modern in London opened an exhibition that showcases 150 photographs from John’s stockpile, presenting an unparalleled selection of modernist images from the 1920s through the 1950s. Comprised mostly of rare vintage prints, the exhibition features works by more than 60 artists, including Man Ray, André Kertész, Berenice Abbot, Alexandr Rodchenko, and Edward Steichen.
The curated offering captures the moment when photography, as a medium, came of age and was embraced by artists. Advancements in technology gave the creators a new tool to present the world through a distinctly modern visual language, experimenting with the medium’s limitations to redefine life around them. Modernist photography reimagined the timeless genres of portrait, nude, and still life. The movement also placed new emphasis on documenting street life, looking at contemporary society from a unique perspective.
“Each of these photographs serves as inspiration for me in my life; they line the walls of my homes and I consider them precious gems,” the music legend said in a statement. “We are thrilled to be part of this collaboration with Tate Modern and hope that the exhibition audience experiences as much joy in seeing the works as I have had in finding them.”
Called “Radical Eye,” the Tate Modern’s exhibition sheds light on the relationship and inner circles of the avant-garde community. Portraits of many great cultural icons in the 20th century are on display as well—including Georgia O’Keefe by Alfred Stieglitz and Igor Stravinsky by Edward Weston. Furthermore, the surrealist movement, a prominent aspect of modernist photography, is featured in the exhibition. A rare group of John’s Man Ray portraits are being exhibited together for the first time ever.
The Tate Modern exhibition will be open through May 7, 2017. For more information on the museum showcase, click here.
If you can’t make it to London, Aperture Foundation has condensed John’s collection into a book, featuring all 150 images currently on display at the British art institution. You can pre-order the book, which costs $65, by clicking here. Enjoy some more images from the collection below.
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