The Victoria & Albert Museum, in collaboration with Gucci, is presenting a prestigious photography exhibition from 24 May, featuring works on loan from the private collection of Sir Elton John and David Furnish, thereby further solidifying their prolific artistic partnership with the V&A.
words SABRINA BOLZONI
In his musical compositions, Elton John has consistently explored the theme of human fragility, treating the vulnerable side of emotions with sensitivity and depth. This same sensitivity is evident in the selection of works that the artist and Furnish have chosen for their private collection, reflecting a profound exploration of human emotions in their most delicate and complex forms.
The exhibition features a collection of modern and contemporary images, with over 300 rare prints from 140 photographers, carefully selected from their vast collection, which boasts over 7,000 photographs. Among the photographers exhibited are illustrious names such as Richard Avedon, David LaChapelle, Nan Goldin, and many others, each of whom, through their unique vision, has captured in evocative images the essence of emblematic figures, significant social themes, and moments that have marked our collective history.
These are truly art photographs that define an era with all its contradictions, celebrating 30 years of collecting and the passion John and Furnish have for photography, while reflecting their refined taste and unparalleled ability to discover and appreciate beauty.
Through eight thematic sections, Fragile Beauty explores realms such as fashion, reportage, celebrity, the male body, and American photography, including portraits of icons from the world of entertainment, such as Aretha Franklin, Elizabeth Taylor, the Beatles, and Chet Baker.
The exhibition also includes images of Marilyn Monroe rehearsing her lines on set, celebrated portraits of men in tears, and male nudes that openly challenge the social conventions of their time. These intense,
deeply evocative reproductions succeed in capturing the essence of the human condition in its many facets, engaging the viewer in an intimate and reflective atmosphere.
Fragile Beauty will be on display until January 5th, 2025 at The Sainsbury Gallery, V&A South Kensington.
