The One Who Put Victoria In A Bag

A mermaid haired Kate Moss photographed by Juergen Teller.

Juergen Teller: WOO. This word 'woo' is exactly what you think when one observes Teller's work and it is a word/sound that is the only possible way that i can think of about how to communicate about my sunny Thursday wandering around and loosing myself in his exhibition at the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts), aptly called Juergen Teller: WOO. This particular exhibition although relatively small is utterly superb. There are three main areas/rooms that contain the beyond supreme, captivating work of Juergen Teller; the photography that has been chosen for this exhibition is so stunning, one could be hypnotised by it and lost within the exhibition walls for hours with out even realising a singular moment had passed.

Images of Teller's editorial works, taken from inside the Fox Reading Room at the ICA.

Juergen Teller is one of the most prolific photographers of our time and if you don't know of him or his work- something which i find hard to believe- i would desperately urge you to seek out his work, it's a re-awakening experience to the world of photography as you most likely know it. Teller is one of a few large named and largely successful photographers who still uses film cameras instead of digital, he is also one of even fewer who has decided not to expand into film but this makes him and his work magnificent, that loyalty (and recognition and understanding) to his aesthetic and to his skills, as a photographer, creative and artist. Teller's work can be easily recognised (this is not a bad thing, it comes naturally due to the sheer talent in his work.) that bright flash which illuminates his subject caught in the burst of light for just a second but then creates an intense, luminous image logged into his names reputation forever. The use of flash and other contributing elements of Teller's aesthetic evokes the notion that the photographs are catching a glimpse of a moment; an unplanned rather impromptu photo shoot even though it is always a lengthy process. Another finalising factor of his work is that brilliantly seized 1990's finish which evokes such an overwhelming sensation of himself and his own personal aesthetic, as well as his work being able to feed the mind and emotions of the beholder. 

A selection of three Juergen Teller books displayed at the exhibition, illustrating Tellers boundless diversity within his respected field.

A great thing about Juergen Teller and what his incredible work appropriates is that it blurs the lines defining boundaries of what is fashion, high fashion, art and editorial work. A point which is so bluntly obvious throughout the exhibition. This bold and confident attitude that other photographers fear (just sticking to either fashion or art) is something so admirable. Fashion is subjective, art is subjective, therefore why is there need to label or define something which for years and years has argued with society about roles and definitions?

Is it taboo for Vivienne Westwood to be naked or is it simply fashion.. Or art?

If you have made it this far and still a little miffed about the title for this post, i can explain...HERE

Juergen Teller:WOO on till the 17 March 2013 @ The Institute of Contemporary Arts. 

A MUST SEE!