STYLE by William Klein

15 September–27 November, 2022

press release

This September, f22 foto space is delighted to present the “Style” exhibition by William Klein, one of the most influential photographers. In this exhibition, we invite you to explore Klein’s non-conforming approach to fashion through his avant-garde perspective, which has redefined modern photography.

Born in New York in 1928, Klein started photography in early 1950 while working with architect Angelo Mangiarotti as a young artist after studying painting at La Sorbonne under the guidance of French painter Fernand Léger. In 1954, he was invited by Alexander Liberman, the Artistic Director of American Vogue, to become the magazine’s photographer. 

Klein applied abstract geometry and contrasting lines in his composition, lighting, layout, and design. He created a new direction in fashion photography by infusing his work with the city vibe, turning streets into runways and bringing high fashion from studio to the real world. He further explored the use of graphical elements in photo making by reinterpreting painted contact sheets to direct the viewers‘ gaze as an art form.

Klein has received numerous honours and awards during his career, including a Commander of Arts and Letters in France in 1989, the Centenary Medal by the Royal Photographic Society in London in 1999, and the Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award at the 2012 Sony World Photography Awards. Works by William Klein were exhibited and collected throughout the world at major institutions including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Tate Modern in London, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and Tokyo Photographic Art Museum in Tokyo. 

Signed, titled and dated by the artist, edition prints are available for purchase. To reserve your print and enquiry, please contact us by email at heidi@f22.com or by phone via + 852 6738 0572.

publication

the artist

Picture for manufacturer William Klein
William Klein

Born in New York in 1928, Klein came across photography in early 1950 as he worked with architect Angelo Mangiarotti as a young artist, shortly after studying painting under the guidance of French painter Fernand Léger. In 1954, he was invited by the Alexander Liberman, the Artistic Director of Vogue, to become the magazine’s photographer.

Klein has received numerous honours and awards during his career, including a Commander of Arts and Letters in France in 1989, the Centenary Medal by the Royal Photographic Society in London in 1999, and the Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award at the 2012 Sony World Photography Awards. Works by William Klein were exhibited and collected throughout the world at major institutions including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Tate Modern in London, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and Tokyo Photographic Art Museum in Tokyo.