Helmut Newton

Organizing a major exhibition of Helmut Newton’s work was something we had been dreaming of for many years. In our opinion, he is one of the most talented, provocative and generous photographers of these past 25 years. Helmut Newton often says: “There are two words that I’ve taken out of my vocabulary : artist, and good taste”.

We had been waiting, impatiently, for him to come to Visa pour l’Image. He accepted our invitation whole-heartedly, and immediately agreed to exhibit the best pictures he shot on commission for magazines.

He showed us his archives, and we rummaged through his boxes of prints. Celebrities, politicians, big businessmen, financiers: Helmut Newton shot all these people’s portraits with great talent. He did the shots in his own way, with that small measure if irony that is his personal touch, his signature. And to top it all off, he added a little humour.

Like all great people, Helmut is a simple man. Always equable, curious, creative, enthusiastic. Working with him has not only been a great privilege, it has also been true bliss.

Jean-François Leroy