"Irving Penn and Me" vol. 14 Jean-Luc Monterosso
In celebrating the "Irving Penn and Issey Miyake: Visual Dialogue" exhibition starting September 16, leading creators from all walks of art speak to us of their fascination with Irving Penn photos.
Gentleman with politeness and elegance in the photography art
──How did you encounter Irving Penn?
Jean-Luc Monterosso (from hereon, Monterosso):
Thanks to Peter MacGill, I met Irving Penn 20 years ago. I was very impressed with his works. For me, Penn is one of the greatest photographers in the 20th Century. He received me in his studio, which should be described as laboratory because all was impeccable and neat there. His gaze, luminous and intense, first was very impressive. After one hour of interview, his extreme politeness and elegance totally captivated me. For me, Penn is par excellence the gentleman of photography. Immediately we became friends.
──What do you think about his photos?
His photographs are in his image; perfect, balanced and obvious. I insisted on giving his name to one of the rooms of Maison Européenne de la Photographie because his work always appeared me to be a school of rigor and beauty.
Contrary to what one might think, Penn doesn't manufacture any image. He reveals it.
──Do you have any specific episode of Penn or his photography to share with us?
It was an intimate moment. In his totally white studio, some weeks after wife Lisa Fonssagrives died, he fell in my arms, murmuring "It is I that should have passed away, not she."
Given that nobody is as modest and reserved person as him, showing tears was a moment full of emotion.
──Please tell us about your recent work (exhibition, publication, new project etc.)
Now, photography is going through a revolution. As museum director, my initiatives consist in trying to account for the shift from silver halide photography to digital photography as pertinently as possible.
Jean-Luc MONTEROSSO
Director of the Maison Européenne de la Photographie
Jean-Luc Monterosso, who received an advanced degree in philosophy, is the founder and director of the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, which was inaugurated in 1996. He created the first Mois de la Photo à Paris (Paris Photography Month) in 1980, and the Mois européen de la Photographie (European Photography Month) in 2004. He is a frequent contributor to catalogues and other publications, and has curated numerous exhibitions, both in France and abroad.
January 25, 2012 1:34 PM ｜ Irving Penn and Issey Miyake: Visual Dialogue , Photograph
