DOUGLAS KIRKLAND "When We Were Young”
About Douglas Kirkland:
Douglas KIRKLAND was born in 1934 in Toronto. As a child, photography amazed him. His family and those close to him became his first models. Douglas KIRKLAND was unaware that over the next few years, the biggest celebrities would pass in front of his camera. In his early days, Douglas KIRKLAND worked in a small photo studio in Richmond, Virginia. Through his meetings, he became aware of the photographs of Irving PENN. It's a revelation. Douglas KIRKLAND was fascinated, sent several letters to the famous photographer and managed to become his assistant. He learns quickly but the pittance pay is not enough and Irving PENN refuses to increase it. The year is 1957, Douglas gives himself a year to carve out a place for himself as a photographer on the New York scene. The road will be a little longer. He gradually created his portfolio by collaborating with small publications. Then, Douglas KIRKLAND arrived at LOOK magazine, learned French through contact with Coco Chanel and, in June 1961, he was tasked with photographing Elizabeth TAYLOR. Elizabeth TAYLOR agreed to an interview with LOOK, not a photo shoot. The young Douglas KIRKLAND explains to her what the possibility of taking her photo represents for him. She gives him her agreement and, at the same time, propels his career. During 1961, Douglas KIKRLAND photographed Marilyn MONROE. The session takes place around a huge bed, a bottle of champagne and a Frank SINATRA record. The magnificent images in pastel tones give a glimpse of the good understanding that reigned during the session. “She was far from the cliché of the superstar. She laughed easily and remained accessible,” explains Douglas KIRKLAND during an interview for CBS. Douglas KIRKLAND becomes the photographer of the stars Charlie CHAPLIN, Audrey HEPBURN, Jack NICHOLSON, John TRAVOLTA, Michael JACKSON, Brigitte BARDOT, Andy WARHOL and Marilyn MONROE are among the many personalities whose portraits he has taken. Although he photographs actors and directors in the privacy of the studio, Douglas KIRKLAND also shines on film sets: 2001 A Space Odyssey, Sophie's Choice, Out of Africa, Butch Cassidy and the Kid; Romancing the Stone;Titanic;The Great Gatsby; Moulin Rouge, are all films for which he photographs. Thus, the photographic archives of Douglas KIRKLAND show the multiple facets of the world of cinema. Douglas KIRKLAND's work extends to other subjects. He gives pride of place to portraiture but also deals with landscape, as part of his reports or his personal work. Douglas KIRKLAND has also taught at the Smithsonian Institution, the AFI Conservatory in Hawaii and Los Angeles, the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena as well as the Kodak Centers in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. His entire career has earned him wide recognition. He continues to photograph the world of cinema and carry out his own projects, including work on his archives for the future publication of a book of black and white photography: “When We Were Young”.
