LILLIAN BASSMAN: Redefining Fashion
Atlas Gallery is delighted to present an exhibition by Lillian Bassman (1917-2012). Bassman was a fashion photographer and art editor at Harper’s Bazaar in the 1950s – 1970s, renowned for her high contrast images of society women, actresses and models. Bassman’s later reworking of her early negatives in the 1990s established her as a modernising figure in fashion photography. A selection of photographs from both periods of her career will be on display.
Bassman’s work was significant in emphasising the power of elegance, mystery and gesture in fashion. Her prints, developed in high contrast and carefully over-exposed, are abstract, luminous, soft yet captivatingly dramatic. In an industry dominated by men, Bassman’s singular contribution provided a fresh perspective. The women in her photographs are self-contained, visibly enjoying their own space and presence.
The V-Back Evenings [variant] Suzy Parker in a dress by Trigere, New York, Harper’s Bazaar, 1955
Gelatin silver print
The Well Dressed Leg, Dorian Leigh, New York, Harper’s Bazaar, April 1948
Gelatin silver print
“Golden Fox, Blue Fox”, Marilyn Ambrose, Harper’s Bazaar, New York [Boa by Frederica], November 1954
Gelatin silver print
“Touch of Dew,” Lisa Fonssagrives, Harper’s Bazaar, New York, May 1961
Gelatin silver print
Anne Saint-Marie, New York, Chanel Advertising Campaign, 1958
Gelatin silver print
Barbara Mullen, (Flat Hat, Bare Back), c. 1950’s
Gelatin silver print
Barbara Mullen, Harper’s Bazaar, New York, 1950s
Gelatin silver print
Barbara Mullen, Harper’s Bazaar, New York, c. 1958
Gelatin silver print
Betty Threat, Harper’s Bazaar, New York, 1957
Gelatin silver print
Black Dress with One White Glove, Barbara Mullen, Dress by Christian Dior, New York, 1950
Gelatin silver print
Dress by Theirry Mugler, German VOGUE, 1998
Gelatin silver print
It’s A Cinch, Carmen, New York, Harper’s Bazaar, 1951
Gelatin silver print
Margie Cato (Test Shoot), New York, c. 1950
Gelatin silver print
Mary Jane Russell, Harper’s Bazaar, New York (Hat), 1950
Gelatin silver print
Next to Nothing. Model Unknown, New York. Junior Bazaar, 1948
Gelatin silver print
Across the Restaurant, Barbara Mullen, dress by Jacques Fath, Le Grand Véfour, Paris, 1949
Gelatin silver print
Blowing Kiss, Barbara Mullen, New York c. 1958
Gelatin silver print
Wonders of Water: Model Unknown, New York, Harper’s Bazaar, 1959
Gelatin silver print