January 21–September 5, 2021
The prolific photographer’s first US solo museum exhibition opens at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta.
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is proud to present the exhibition Albert Watson: The Light Behind the Lens at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film. The exhibition features more than 50 prints curated from Watson’s extensive photographic archive that showcase the artist’s distinctive style, expert use of light and shadow, and the breadth of his 50-year career.
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Watson studied graphic design and film, and credits his success as a photographer to this broad visual education. His photographic career began with his move to Los Angeles in 1970, when he started shooting mostly for fashion magazines and later broadened his work to include celebrity portraiture, beauty, still life, and fine art. Since then, Watson has taken some of the most iconic photographs of our time, and his exquisite handmade prints have been displayed in galleries and museums around the world. From Andy Warhol to Kate Moss to Hollywood royalty, Watson’s striking photographs have graced more than 100 covers of Vogue worldwide and elite publications such as TIME magazine, Rolling Stone, and Harper’s Bazaar.
“I’ve always been driven by the pursuit of excellence in photography,” said Watson, “but also by how I can improve every time I pick up the camera. How can I make that next shot more powerful, more interesting, more beautiful, and, most importantly, more memorable? For a younger generation of artists and photographers, that would be my most important advice: Never be fully satisfied with what you’ve accomplished. Always strive to improve and never lose your curiosity. Hopefully, these prints of some of my fashion photography will provide inspiration for them and pique their curiosity as they begin their own careers.”
Visitors to the museum will view some of Watson’s most celebrated works as well as photographs that have never before been publicly exhibited. Watson made all of the prints that will be on display in the exhibition. SCAD students from top-ranked degree programs, including photography, fashion design, advertising, luxury and fashion management, and graphic design, will also have the opportunity to interact with the artist through virtual exhibition tours, conversations, and other future programming.
“It is a great honor for SCAD to collaborate on an exhibition dedicated to one of the most influential photographers of all time,” said Rafael Gomes, director of fashion exhibitions at SCAD. “SCAD FASH is presenting a variety of work depicting Watson’s unique photographic view, sublime composition, and light control—all curated from the artist’s vast personal archive and printed by the master himself. These photographs will provide such inspiration and insight for our SCAD students and alumni, allowing the chance to view work by a true living creative legend.” For more information on Albert Watson: The Light Behind the Lens, visit scadfash.org.
