I was flip flopping between posting a new-t0-me photographer, or else going with someone whose work I was familiar with when Eve Arnold‘s name came up and my decision was made. Most famous for her photographs of Marilyn Monroe, specifically those from the actresses time filming The Misfits in 1961 though she had been photographing her in 1951. Another photographer who also took photos of popular 20th century figures, Arnold shot Queen Elizabeth II, Malcolm X and Joan Crawford.
“I don’t see anybody as either ordinary or extraordinary. I see them simply as people in front of my lens.”
Arnold was the first woman to join Magnum in 1957 and spent time travelling the world, photographing in places such as China, Russia, South Africa and Afghanistan. She published over a dozen books of photography and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 from Sony Photography.
“What drove and kept me going over the decades? What was the motive force? If I had to use a single word, it would be curiosity.”
There’s something I find different about Arnold’s photography that I can’t quite place my finger on. I want to say that there’s a softness there, but I don’t want to allude that just because she’s female, her photography holds that quality. It’s certainly not true of Taro’s photography, but Arnold’s has an openness or a light that I don’t see mirrored in too many other photographers’ works. The Guardian posted a great article about her/work during a retrospective back in 2012 that I’d encourage everyone to read.
Things I’m Loving:
+ 10 Best Spain Experiences – (Hoping to make my way through the list while I’m here!)
+ Female poets – (I’ll take one of each, please.)
+ This hair tutorial – (If only my hair was long enough!)
+ Upgrade your lunch – (Ramen noodles, anyone?)
Blue Eyed Sight 