More than 200 photographs, some of them presented to the public for the first time, invite visitors on a fascinating journey through time and the impressive oeuvre of the portrait artist.
FROM PARIS TO BERLIN: THE BEGINNING OF A PHOTOGRAPHIC ODYSSEY
It was 1970, and romantic Paris became the scene of an unexpected transformation. Due to a sudden case of influenza suffered by her husband Helmut Newton, June Newton, who until then had been working as a theater actress, suddenly found herself confronted with a challenge. An advertising picture for the French cigarette brand "Gitanes" was to be shot. Helmut quickly taught her the basics of photography, and Alice Springs – the stage name under which she would soon become worldfamous – was born.
The smoking model she captured in the French capital did not only mark the beginning of her new career, but also the evolution of a distinctive artistic signature. Alice Springs took the photography scene by storm, with José Alvarez, an advertising agency operator from Paris, playing a significant role. He became her mentor and later, as head of "Editions du Regard", her first publisher.
THE HEART OF A PORTRAIT: EMPATHY AND CURIOSITY
Alice Springs' photographs are not just pictures, but windows to the soul. Beginning in the mid- 1970s, she produced countless portraits that reflected deep empathy and a characteristic curiosity about her contemporaries. There are no empty gestures or superficial poses in her paintings. Springs reveals the essence of her subjects, the depth of their personalities.
From the great names of photography – Richard Avedon, Brassaï, Ralph Gibson and others - to Hollywood's crème de la crème like Nicole Kidman and Liam Neeson, Alice Springs had a gift for capturing not only the physical appearance but also the aura and inner world of her models. Her portraits are testaments to her understanding of humanity and her deep respect for the individual.
PROFESSIONAL
HELMUT NEWTON'S PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY: AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE IN ROME
The "Helmut Newton. Legacy" exhibition at Ara Pacis in Rome, curated by Matthias Harder of the Helmut Newton Foundation, showcases approximately 230 photographs, documents, and videos capturing the entire career span of the renowned photographer, Helmut Newton. This comprehensive collection not only features Newton's most iconic images but also unveils previously unreleased shots, making their debut in Italy. Chronologically arranged, the exhibition narrates the progression of Newton's work, highlighting his collaborations with fashion legends like Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld, the groundbreaking “Naked and Dressed” series from 1981, and significant commissions in the 1990s with brands like Chanel and Thierry Mugler. The exhibit runs from October 18, 2023, to March 10, 2024.
VOYEUR
BETWEEN PUBLICITY AND INTIMACY: INSIGHT INTO THE PRIVATE COSMOS
The personal photographs Springs took of her husband Helmut are particularly fascinating. The profound bond between the two comes alive in these snapshots. She not only documented his creative process, but also provided insights into the quiet intimacy of their relationship. Complementing these private works, the exhibition "Us and Them" reveals the passionate, symbiotic interplay between the couple, who were fused in art and life.
THE HELMUT NEWTON FOUNDATION: PRESERVER OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC HERITAGE
This Berlin institution, located in the venerable Museum of Photography, is more than just a space for art. It is a center that celebrates and cultivates the legacy of Helmut Newton and Alice Springs. Founded as a "living institution" and not just a "dead museum", its mission is to preserve and present the photographic masterpieces of these two icons to the world.
The Helmut Newton Foundation has gained a firm place in Berlin's cultural landscape and is also an international attraction for art and photography enthusiasts. It not only functions as a treasure trove for the works of Newton and Springs, but is also a place for dialogue, where Newton's work interacts with other internationally renowned photographers.
The current Alice Springs retrospective at the Helmut Newton Foundation is not just an exhibition, it is a journey. A journey through the life of a remarkable artist who was a master at capturing the essence of the human condition through the lens of her camera. A visit to this impressive show will enrich anyone who appreciates the depths and nuances of human emotion. It is an opportunity to experience the art of portraiture through the eyes of a true master.
Alice Springs. Retrospective
June 3, 2023 – January 21, 2024
A Special Exhibition of the Helmut Newton Foundation at the Museum of Photography National Museums in Berlin
www.helmut-newton-foundation.org
